Explanation of image.
Plot of the illumination in the rings as a function of
the distance from Saturn (horizontal axis) and as a function of time
(vertical axis). Data were taken in the near infrared with the University of Hawaii adaptive optics system mounted on the
Canada-France-Hawaii telescope (f/35 focus). This 42-minute long
time-sequence was taken on August 10, 1995 at a mid-time of 12:34
p.m.(Universal time), that is about 8 hours before the crossing. One
sees sun light transmitted through the rings and scattered by
particles in the C ring, the Cassini division, the Encke gap, and
beyond the dark A ring all the way to the F ring. Objects in orbit
produce inclined streaks. The brightest of them have been identified
as indicated. S5 is one of the three objects discovered by the Hubble
Space Telescope (IAU circular No. 6243). Unlabelled marks indicate new
objects. Note the temporary disappearance of Epimetheus, in the shadow
of the A ring. Adaptive optics observations (August 1995).