Saturn
 

This pic was taken by the Cassini probe. I've heard it said that it's the most beautiful photograph ever taken, and I'd be hard pressed to argue against that position.

It's taken from the far side of Saturn so it's backlit by the sun. If you look at the picture's 10 o'clock position just inside the next-to-outermost bright ring you can see a light dot. That's us.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1328912503.jpg

Simply amazing. I can't think of any other way to say it.

That's been the desktop image on my work computer for a few months now.

Incredible! More details about the photo here: APOD: 2011 September 4 - In the Shadow of Saturn

Click the photo to enlarge.

And: CICLOPS - Official Source of Cassini images of Saturn, its rings & moons

JPL: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm

WOW!
Thanks for the great pic, Jim.

I went out to look at the moon last night as per your other advice.
The cloud cover was thick. I will try again tonight.

You won't be disappointed (wx permitting).

Great stuff here: Heavens-Above Home Page including sky charts customizable for your location.

Hey, I'm in So Cal... what is the bright light I'm seeing in the South West sky?

EDIT: Saw your other post, presume it is Mars

Lowest in the S/W is Venus. Higher is Jupiter. Mars is near the Moon right now.

Check the Heavens-above site I posted above; once you set your lat/lon (or city) the sky chart in the astronomy section will show you what's where.

Saturn is pretty amazing when viewed through a telescope as well. You see the rings, the shadow that the planet casts on the rings, the bands around the planet and the moons.

Jupiter is next in line, but there's not much that beats Saturn.