The Cassini Division is the prominent dark region separating Saturn’s bright A and B rings, first observed by astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini in 1675. Although it appears nearly empty when viewed from a distance, the division actually contains thinly distributed particles and several faint ring structures of its own. Its formation is strongly influenced by the gravity of Saturn’s moon Mimas, which creates an orbital resonance with particles in this region. Particles near the division orbit Saturn roughly twice for every orbit completed by Mimas, allowing the moon’s gravitational influence to repeatedly act upon them at similar points in their paths.
Framing Note: Frames are selected by the artist and are included primarily to protect the artwork during handling and transit. Collectors are welcome to reframe the artwork after receipt according to their personal preference.
Material: Mixed Metals
Imperial
Piece: 48" × 36"
Frame: 54" × 42"
Weight: 14 lbs
Metric
Piece: 121.9 × 91.4 cm
Frame: 137.2 × 106.7 cm
Weight: 6.35 kg
The Cassini Division is the prominent dark region separating Saturn’s bright A and B rings, first observed by astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini in 1675. Although it appears nearly empty when viewed from a distance, the division actually contains thinly distributed particles and several faint ring structures of its own. Its formation is strongly influenced by the gravity of Saturn’s moon Mimas, which creates an orbital resonance with particles in this region. Particles near the division orbit Saturn roughly twice for every orbit completed by Mimas, allowing the moon’s gravitational influence to repeatedly act upon them at similar points in their paths.
Framing Note: Frames are selected by the artist and are included primarily to protect the artwork during handling and transit. Collectors are welcome to reframe the artwork after receipt according to their personal preference.
Material: Mixed Metals
Imperial
Piece: 48" × 36"
Frame: 54" × 42"
Weight: 14 lbs
Metric
Piece: 121.9 × 91.4 cm
Frame: 137.2 × 106.7 cm
Weight: 6.35 kg
