images

Rings of Neptune

by

Nasa/JPL/Novapix

Reference

a-nep03-00100

Date

2006-10-04

These two 591-second exposures of the rings of Neptune were taken by Voyager 2 on August 26,1989 from a distance of 280,000 kilometers (174,000 miles). The two main rings are clearly visible and appear complete over the region imaged. Also visible in this image is the inner faint ring at about 42,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) from the center of Neptune, and the faint band which extends smoothly from the 53,000 kilometer (33,000 miles) ring to roughly halfway between the two bright rings. The bright glare in the center is due to over-exposure of the crescent of Neptune. Numerous bright stars are evident in the background.