Part 2/6:
Iapetus presents a striking visual contrast: one hemisphere as dark as asphalt and the other as bright as freshly fallen snow. This unique characteristic has captivated astronomers since it was first documented by Cassini in 1671. While early observations only allowed a view of the moon’s brighter side, the Voyager 2 probe, which flew past in August 1981, offered a clearer perspective—albeit from a distance of nearly a million kilometers.
However, it was the technological advancements of the Cassini mission that provided unprecedented access to the intricacies of Iapetus. Over the years, keen observers have followed Cassini’s journey and its interactive narrative with Saturn and its moons. The mission promised closer observation, revealing more than just a distant silhouette.