Solar Sculptor

The Cassini spacecraft observes the interaction between the solar wind and Saturn's magnetic field in this artist's concept. Saturn's magnetic field, which is generated by the planet's rotation, extends far into space. But as the solar wind hits the magnetic field (a region depicted in blue), it pushes the field toward Saturn on the Sun-facing side, and far into space on the Sun-trailing side. This can leave some of Saturn's moons exposed to the full force of solar radiation and particles for parts of their orbits, as they circle outside the protective magnetic field. [NASA/JPL]