The latest cosmic discovery
When the Cassini mission launched back in 1997,
we knew of only 18 moons orbiting Saturn
“When the Cassini mission launched back in
1997, we knew of only 18 moons orbiting Saturn,” according to
Carl Murray.
“Now, between Earth-based telescopes and Cassini we have more than tripled that number — and each and every new discovery adds another piece to the puzzle and becomes another new world to explore.”
The newest satellite of the Solar System’s second largest planet was spotted by astronomers led by Carl Murray of Queen Mary College at the University of London. It’s about two kilometers (1.2 miles) across and, like other Saturnian moons, appears to consist mainly of ice and rock.
To date, 48 moons of Saturn have been officially named.
In alphabetic order, they are: Aegir, Albiorix, Atlas, Bebhionn, Bergelmir, Bestla, Calypso, Daphnis, Dione, Enceladus, Epimetheus, Erriapo, Farbauti, Fenrir, Fornjot, Hati, Helene, Hyperion, Hyrokkin, Iapetus, Ijiraq, Janus, Kari, Kiviuq, Loge, Methone, Mimas, Mundilfari, Narvi, Paaliaq, Pallene, Pan, Pandora, Phoebe, Polydeuces, Prometheus, Rhea, Siarnaq, Skadi, Skoll, Surtur, Suttung, Tarvos, Telesto, Tethys, Thrym, Titan and Ymir.
And, now - there’s Frank.
“Now, between Earth-based telescopes and Cassini we have more than tripled that number — and each and every new discovery adds another piece to the puzzle and becomes another new world to explore.”
The newest satellite of the Solar System’s second largest planet was spotted by astronomers led by Carl Murray of Queen Mary College at the University of London. It’s about two kilometers (1.2 miles) across and, like other Saturnian moons, appears to consist mainly of ice and rock.
To date, 48 moons of Saturn have been officially named.
In alphabetic order, they are: Aegir, Albiorix, Atlas, Bebhionn, Bergelmir, Bestla, Calypso, Daphnis, Dione, Enceladus, Epimetheus, Erriapo, Farbauti, Fenrir, Fornjot, Hati, Helene, Hyperion, Hyrokkin, Iapetus, Ijiraq, Janus, Kari, Kiviuq, Loge, Methone, Mimas, Mundilfari, Narvi, Paaliaq, Pallene, Pan, Pandora, Phoebe, Polydeuces, Prometheus, Rhea, Siarnaq, Skadi, Skoll, Surtur, Suttung, Tarvos, Telesto, Tethys, Thrym, Titan and Ymir.
And, now - there’s Frank.
Posted: Mon - July 23, 2007 at 06:15 AM