Image: FDS 26852.19 Rings of Uranus

Description: This dramatic Voyager 2 picture reveals a continuous distribution of small particles throughout the Uranus ring system. Voyager took this image while in the shadow of Uranus, at a distance of 236,000 kilometers (142,000 miles and a resolution of about 33 km (20 ml). This unique geometry -- the highest phase angle at which Voyager imaged the rings -- allows us to see lanes of fine dust particles not visible from other viewing angles. All the previously known rings are visible here, however, some of the brightest features in the image are bright dust lanes not previously seen. The combination of this unique geometry and a long, 96 second exposure allowed this spectacular observation, acquired through the clear filter of Voyager's wide-angle camera. The long exposure produced a noticeable, non-uniform smear as well as streaks due to trailed stars. The original NASA image has been modified by removal of reseaux marks and other artifacts, and by conversion from GIF to PNG format.
Title: FDS 26852.19 Rings of Uranus
Credit: http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/imgcat/html/object_page/vg2_2685219.html
Author: NASA/Jet Propulsion Lab-Caltech/University of Arizona/Texas A&M University
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No