This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
What were you up to back in 1997? It was an exciting year. Titanic was setting box office records, Dolly the sheep was getting cloned, and the very first Harry Potter book was hitting shelves. It was also the year that a bus-sized NASA spacecraft named Cassini launched. Carrying the ESA Huygens probe, Cassini set off for Saturn to learn all about the lovely ringed planet.
After almost 20 years, Cassini is entering its last phase, building up to the "Grand Finale" that will culminate in September 2017 (if all goes well).
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
That's how you have a retirement party, people. Read all about this business at saturn.jpl.nasa.gov.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
