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Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Crescents Dione and Rhea (contrast stretched)

Crescents Dione and Rhea (contrast stretched)
Crescents Dione and Rhea (contrast stretched) Rhea and Dione were only barely lit crescents (the phase angle was 160 degrees) when Cassini caught the two passing by each other on 27 March 2006. NASA / JPL-Caltech / SSI / animation by Emily Lakdawalla

In this version, which has had its contrast stretched to show Saturnlit portions of the moons, Dione's nightside is visible but not Rhea's because of the different orbital positions of the two moons. An unstretched version is below.

Crescents Dione and Rhea
Crescents Dione and Rhea Rhea and Dione were only barely lit crescents (the phase angle was 160 degrees) when Cassini caught the two passing by each other on March 27, 2006.Image: NASA / JPL / SSI / Emily Lakdawalla