NASA's Cassini spacecraft has survived its first passage between Saturn and the planet's innermost ring, coming within 1,900 miles of the cloud tops.

Cassini sent back to Earth close-up images of Saturn, including its hurricane like storms.

So what lies in the narrow gap between Saturn and its rings?

According to data from Cassini, the answer is — not much. NASA scientists are reporting that Cassini encountered less dust than expected in this formerly unexplored region, a head-scratching surprise for scientists.

Cassini's trip marks the beginning of the end. It will make 21 more dives between Saturn and the rings and then, on Sept. 15, it will plunge into the planet.