A striking image of Saturn's moon Iapetus, captured by the Cassini spacecraft. The image showcases Iapetus's unique two-toned surface, with one hemisphere dark and the other light, and its prominent equatorial ridge. The dark material, possibly carbon-rich, is seen coating the eastern part of the moon, covering craters and highlands. A large impact crater is visible in the southern hemisphere. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries surrounding this unusual celestial body.
Astronomy Picture from 09/08/2009
Saturn's Iapetus: Painted Moon
Source: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap090809.html
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