Description
The planet Saturn is easily recognizable for its opulent ring system that can easily be seen through a small telescope. Astronomers have now found that the rings are not as placid as they look: a rain of icy particles is affecting the giant planet's weather. It took observations of Saturn from the ESA/NASA Hubble Space Telescope and the retired NASA/ESA/ASI Cassini probe, in addition to the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft and the retired International Ultraviolet Explorer mission, to pull it all together. The telltale evidence is an excess of ultraviolet radiation, seen as a spectral line of hot hydrogen in Saturn's atmosphere. The most feasible explanation is heating caused by icy ring particles raining down onto Saturn's atmosphere. This rain could be due to the impact of micrometeorites, solar wind particle bombardment, solar ultraviolet radiation, or electromagnetic forces picking up electrically charged dust. A new study pulled together archival ultraviolet-light (UV) observations from four space missions that studied Saturn. This included observations from the two Voyager probes that flew by Saturn in the 1980s and measured the UV excess — at the time, astronomers dismissed the measurements as noise in the detectors. The Cassini mission, which arrived at Saturn in 2004, also collected UV data on the atmosphere over several years, and additional data came from the International Ultraviolet Explorer, launched in 1978, and from Hubble. But the lingering question was whether all the data could be illusory, or instead reflected a true phenomenon on Saturn. The key to assembling the jigsaw puzzle came in the decision to use measurements from Hubble's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS). Its precision observations of Saturn were used to calibrate the archival UV data from all four other space missions. Four decades of UV data cover multiple solar cycles and help astronomers study the Sun's seasonal effects on Saturn. By bringing all the diverse data together and calibrating it, it was determined that there is no seasonal difference to the level of UV radiation. The unexpected interaction between the rings and the upper atmosphere is now being investigated in depth, to define new diagnostic tools for estimating if distant exoplanets have extended, Saturn-like ring systems. These results are featured in the paper published on 30 March 2023 in the Planetary Science Journal. [Image description: A close-up image of the planet Saturn in ultraviolet light. The planet is coloured in shades of blue. It is tilted at a forty-five degree angle, and inclined towards the viewer so that its rings are visible; they are only slightly brighter than the black background.]
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Specifications
Printed with the latest generation of long-lasting, vibrant inks
Each piece is carefully quality checked before dispatch
Please Note: There may be slight colour variations between on-screen previews and the finished product
Available in a range of sizes:
- 30 cm x 20 cm (12" x 8")
- 45 cm x 30 cm (18" x 12")
- 50 cm x 40 cm (20" x 16")
- 60 cm x 40 cm (24" x 16")
- 75 cm x 50 cm (30" x 20")
- 90 cm x 60 cm (36" x 24")
- 100 cm x 75 cm (40" x 30")
- 120 cm x 80 cm (48" x 32")
- 135 cm x 90 cm (54" x 36")
Every order is custom-made just for you
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Shipping and returns
After placing your order, delivery typically takes 5 to 10 working days, but may take longer due to network delays.
Acrylic and Metal orders to Australia may take 10-25 working days.
As we use third-party couriers, delivery times aren’t guaranteed. Please contact our support team if you’re working to a deadline.
Canvas prints can be delivered to PO Boxes. For size limitations and more shipping details, check our help page.
Occasionally, shipping delays may occur due to circumstances beyond our control, but we’ll do our best to ensure timely delivery.
Important:
- Ensure the correct delivery details when placing your order. We can amend addresses before dispatch but cannot once shipped.
- If a delivery fails due to incorrect address details or lack of collection from a post office, a £20 reshipment fee will apply.
- We are not responsible for shipping delays caused by the courier, nor do we offer compensation for such delays.
- Customs fees may apply for international orders and are the responsibility of the customer.
- For orders with items over 100 cm, additional fees will be calculated at checkout.
- Our Premium Freight Protection covers lost or damaged orders during transit.
If you have any questions about shipping, contact us at [email protected].
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FAQs
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What sizes and formats are available for canvas prints?
We offer a wide range of canvas sizes and formats, from single prints to multi-panel displays. You can customise your canvas to fit any space with various dimensions available to suit your needs.
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How do I create a custom canvas print or personalised gift?
Simply choose your product, upload your photo, and customise it using our easy design tool. Add text, filters, and layouts to create a unique piece before placing your order.
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What types of personalised photo gifts do you offer?
We provide a variety of gifts, including photo books, mugs, cushions, metal prints, and wall collages. Each gift can be customised with your favourite photos and text for any occasion.
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Can I personalise gifts for special occasions?
Yes, our personalised photo gifts are perfect for any event, including birthdays, weddings, and holidays. Customise them with photos and messages to make the gift truly special.
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Is there a satisfaction guarantee or return policy?
We offer a satisfaction guarantee on all products. If you're not happy with your order, contact us within 30 days for a reprint or refund.