Cassinis Grand Finale
This month we don\u2019t just look back at a few news stories, but also ahead to what\u2019s happening over the coming months for one of the most successful space missions ever: Cassini. Having orbited Saturn for 13 years, Cassini\u2019s fuel is running out and the mission has embarked on a \u201cGrand Finale\u201d before its final plunge into the planet\u2019s atmosphere.\nDr Leigh Fletcher, a planetary\xa0scientist at the University of Leicester, gives us a personal viewpoint of this groundbreaking mission to the ringed planet. We find out about a few of the highlights of the mission, as well as what\u2019s in store for the spacecraft on its last few terrifying orbits. There\u2019s also a look to the future, for whatever missions may come next to the outer Solar System.\nIn other news, Edward and Chris discuss renegade black holes, newly discovered (potential) dwarf planets, possible future missions to the Moon, and how humanity is altering the Earth\u2019s radiation belts.\n\nAn extended edition of an original\xa0broadcast on 31st May\xa02017 as part of Pythagoras\u2019 Trousers on Radio Cardiff.\nFor an archive of Pythagorean Astronomy, visit pythagastro.uk.