The Saturnian system (photographic montage)

Moons of Saturn (photographic montage)

Saturn's rings cut across a scene that is ruled by Titan's luminous crescent and globe-encircling haze, broken by the small moon Enceladus, whose icy jets are dimly visible at its south pole. North is up.

Saturn has 60 named natural satellites, many of which were discovered only recently and may be as small as two-to-three kilometers across, plus hundreds of observed "moonlets" only a few tens or hundreds of meters across in the A Ring. A natural satellite or moon is a Celestial body that Orbits a Planet or smaller body which is called the primary. Seven of the moons are large enough to have achieved hydrostatic equilibrium and so would be considered dwarf planets if they were in orbit about the Sun; indeed one of them, Titan, is massive enough to retain an atmosphere denser than our own. Hydrostatic equilibrium occurs when compression due to Gravity is balanced by a Pressure gradient which creates a Pressure gradient force in the opposite A dwarf planet, as defined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU is a Celestial body Orbiting the Sun that is massive enough to be rounded TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Titan (ˈtaɪtən, or as A precise number of moons can not be given, as there is no objective boundary between the countless small anonymous objects that form Saturn's ring system and the larger objects that have been named as moons.

Table of known moons

The Saturnian moons are listed here by orbital period, from shortest to longest. Moons massive enough for their surfaces to have collapsed into a spheroid are highlighted in light blue. Gravitational collapse in Astronomy is the inward fall of a massive body under the influence of the force of Gravity. Equation A spheroid centered at the origin and rotated about the z axis is defined by the implicit equation \left(\frac{x}{a}\right^2+\left(\frac{y}{a}\right^2+\left(\frac{z}{b}\right^2 Titan, which is planetary in size, has darker highlighting. The irregular (captured) moons are indicated in grey: light grey for prograde satellites, darker grey for retrograde satellites.

Order	Name (spheroidal moons in bold) (Pronunciation key)			Image	Diameter (km)	Semi-major axis (km)	Orbital period (d)	Inclination (°) (to Saturn's equator)	Position	Discovered
0		(moonlets)			0. This article describes the unit of angle For other meanings see Degree. 06 to 0. 14	130,000			3000-km band within A ring	2006[1][2][3]
1	XVIII	Pan	ˈpæn		30 (35 × 35 × 23) [4]	133,584 [5]	+0. For the moon of Jupiter known by this name 1955-1975 see Carme (moon. 57505 [5]	0. 001°	in Encke Division	1990
2	XXXV	Daphnis	ˈdæfnɨs		6 − 8	136,505 [5]	+0. Daphnis (ˈdæfnɨs, or as Greek Δαφνίς is an Inner satellite of Saturn. 59408 [5]	≈ 0°	in Keeler Gap	2005
3	XV	Atlas	ˈætləs		31 (46 × 38 × 19) [4]	137,670 [5]	+0. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Atlas (ˈætləs, or as Greek Άτλας 60169 [5]	0. 003°	outer A Ring shepherd	1980
4	XVI	Prometheus	proʊˈmiːθiəs		86 (119 × 87 × 61) [4]	139,380 [5]	+0. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Prometheus (proʊˈmiːθiəs,, or 61299 [5]	0. 008°	inner F Ring shepherd	1980
5	XVII	Pandora	pænˈdɔərə		81 (103 × 80 × 64) [4]	141,720 [5]	+0. There is also an Asteroid called 55 Pandora. 62850 [5]	0. 050°	outer F Ring Shepherd	1980
6	XI	Epimetheus	ˌɛpɨˈmiːθiəs		113 (135 × 108 × 105) [4]	151,422 [5]	+0. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Epimetheus (ˌɛpɨˈmiːθiəs,, or 69433 [5]	0. 335°	co-orbitals	1980
7	X	Janus	ˈdʒeɪnəs		179 (193 × 173 × 137) [4]	151,472 [5]	+0. Saturn X redirects here For the spurious moon reported in 1905 see Themis (moon 69466 [5]	0. 165°		1966
8	I	Mimas	ˈmaɪməs		397 (415 × 394 × 381) [6]	185,404 [7]	+0. TemplateInfobox Planet. --> Mimas (ˈmaɪməs, or as Greek 942422 [8]	1. 566°		1789
9	XXXII	Methone	mɨˈθoʊni		3	194,440 [5]	+1. 00957 [5]	0. 007°	(Alkyonides)	2004
10	XLIX	Anthe	ˈænθi		~2	197,700	1. The Alkyonides (Αλκυονίδες were in Greek mythology, the seven daughters of Alkyoneus. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Anthe (ˈænθiː, or as Greek 03650	0. 1°		2007
11	XXXIII	Pallene	pəˈliːni		4	212,280 [5]	+1. 15375 [5]	0. 181°		2004
12	II	Enceladus	ɛnˈsɛlədəs		504 (513 × 503 × 497) [6]	237,950 [7]	+1. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> This article is about the moon of 370218 [8]	0. 010°	Generates the E ring	1789
13	III	Tethys	ˈtiːθɨs		1066 (1081 × 1062 × 1055) [6]	294,619 [7]	+1. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Tethys (ˈtiːθɨs, /ˈtɛθɨs/, or 887802 [8]	0. 168°		1684
13a	XIII	Telesto	tɨˈlɛstoʊ		24 (29 × 22 × 20) [4]			1. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Telesto (tɨˈlɛstoʊ, or as Greek 158°	leading Tethys trojan	1980
13b	XIV	Calypso	kəˈlɪpsoʊ		21 (30 × 23 × 14) [4]			1. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Calypso (kəˈlɪpsoʊ, or as in Greek 473°	trailing Tethys trojan	1980
16	IV	Dione	daɪˈoʊni		1123 (1128 × 1122 × 1121) [6]	377,396 [7]	+2. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Dione (daɪˈoʊni, or as in Greek 736915 [8]	0. 002°		1684
16a	XII	Helene	ˈhɛlɨni		33 (36 × 32 × 30)			0. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Helene (ˈhɛlɨni, sometimes, or as 212°	leading Dione trojan	1980
16b	XXXIV	Polydeuces	ˌpɒlɨˈdjuːsiːz		3. 5 [9]			0. 177°	trailing Dione trojan	2004
19	V	Rhea	ˈriːə		1529 (1535 × 1525 × 1526) [6]	527,108 [10]	+4. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Rhea (ˈriːə, or as in Greek 518212 [10]	0. 327°		1672
20	VI	Titan	ˈtaɪtən		5151	1,221,930 [7]	+15. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Titan (ˈtaɪtən, or as 94542	1. 634°		1655
21	VII	Hyperion	haɪˈpɪəriən		292 (360 × 280 × 225)	1,481,010 [7]	+21. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Hyperion (haɪˈpɪəriən, or as in 27661	0. 568°		1848
22	VIII	Iapetus	aɪˈæpɨtəs		1472 (1494 × 1498 × 1425) [6]	3,560,820	+79. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Iapetus (aɪˈæpɨtəs, or as in Greek 3215 [11]	7. 570°		1671
23	XXIV	Kiviuq	ˈkɪvioʊk		~16	11 294 800 [10]	+448. Kiviuq (ˈkiːvioʊk KEE-vee-ohk or KIV-ee-ook is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn 16 [10]	49. 087°	Inuit group	2000
24	XXII	Ijiraq	ˈiːɨrɒk		~12	11 355 316 [10]	+451. The Inuit group is a dynamical grouping of the Prograde Irregular satellites Saturn which follow similar Orbits Their semi-major axes Ijiraq (ˈiːɨrɑːk EE-yə-rahk or EE-jə-rahk is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn 77 [10]	50. 212°		2000
25	IX	Phoebe	ˈfiːbi		220 (230 × 220 × 210)	12 869 700	−545. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Phoebe (ˈfiːbi, or as in Greek 09[11][12]	173. 047°	Norse group	1899
26	XX	Paaliaq	ˈpɑːliɒk		~22	15 103 400 [10]	+692. The Norse group is a large group of retrograde Irregular satellites of Saturn. Paaliaq (ˈpɑːliɑːk PAH-lee-ahk is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. 98 [10]	46. 151°	Inuit group	2000
27	XXVII	Skathi	ˈskɒði		~8	15 672 500 [10]	−732. Skathi (ˈskɑːði SKAH-dhee or Saturn XXVII, is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 52 [8][12]	149. 084°	Norse (Skathi) Group	2000
28	XXVI	Albiorix	ˌælbiːˈɒrɨks		~32	16 266 700 [10]	+774. Albiorix (ˌælbiːˈɔrɨks AL-bee-OR-iks is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. 58 [10]	38. 042°	Gallic group	2000
29		S/2007 S 2	—		~6	16 560 000	−792. The Gallic group is a dynamical grouping of the Prograde Irregular satellites of Saturn following similar Orbits Their semi-major axes S/2007 S 2 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S 96	176. 68°	Norse group	2007
30	XXXVII	Bebhionn	ˈbɛviːn		~6	17 153 520 [10]	+838. Bebhionn (ˈbɛviːn BEV-een or Saturn XXXVII (provisional designation S/2004 S 11) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 77 [10]	40. 484°	Gallic group	2004
31	XXVIII	Erriapus	ˌɛriːˈæpəs		~10	17 236 900 [10]	+844. Erriapus (ˌɛriˈæpəs ERR-ee-AP-əs or as Latin Erriapus Erriappus also Saturn XXVIII, is a Prograde 89 [10]	38. 109°		2000
32	XLVII	Skoll	ˈskɒl, ˈskɜːl		~6	17 473 800 [7]	−862. Skoll (ˈskɒl skol or as Norse skœlː or Saturn XLVII (provisional designation S/2006 S 8) is a retrograde Irregular satellite of Saturn 37 [10]	155. 624°	Norse (Skathi) group	2006
33	XXIX	Siarnaq	ˈsiːɑrnək		~40	17 776 600 [10]	+884. Siarnaq (ˈsiːɑrnɑːk SEE-ar-naak or Saturn XXIX, is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. 88 [10]	45. 798°	Inuit group	2000
34	LII	Tarqeq	ˈtɑrkeɪk		~7	17 910 600 [13]	+894. Tarqeq (ˈtɑrkeɪk TAR-kayk also known as Saturn LII (provisional designation S/2007 S 1) is a Natural satellite of Saturn 86 [10]	49. 904°		2007
35		S/2004 S 13	—		~6	18 056 300 [10]	−905. S/2004 S 13 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S 85 [8][12]	167. 379°	Norse group	2004
36	LI	Greip	ˈɡreɪp		~6	18 065 700 [7]	−906. Greip (ˈgreɪp greyp or Saturn LI (provisional designation S/2006 S 4) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 56 [10]	172. 666°		2006
37	XLIV	Hyrrokkin	hɨˈrɒkɨn		~8	18 168 300 [7]	−914. Hyrrokkin (ˌhɪˈrɒkɨn hirr-ROK-in or Saturn XLIV (provisional designation S/2004 S 19) is a Natural satellite of Saturn 29 [10]	153. 272°	Norse (Skathi) group	2006
38	L	Jarnsaxa	jɑrnˈsæksə		~6	18 556 900 [7]	−943. Jarnsaxa, (jɑrnˈsæksə yarn-SAKS-ə also known as Saturn L (provisional designation S/2006 S 6) is a Natural satellite of 78 [10]	162. 861°	Norse group	2006
39	XXI	Tarvos	ˈtɑrvəs		~15	18 562 800 [10]	+944. Tarvos (ˈtɑrvəs TAR-vəs or ˈtɑrvɒs TAR-vos or Saturn XXI is a Prograde irregular satellite 23 [10]	34. 679°	Gallic group	2000
40	XXV	Mundilfari	ˌmʊndəlˈvɛri		~7	18 725 800 [10]	−956. Mundilfari (ˈmʊndɨlˈvɛəri MOON-dəl-VAIR-ee Norse Mundilfäri or Saturn XXV, is a Natural satellite 70 [8][12]	169. 378°	Norse group	2000
41		S/2006 S 1	—		~6	18 930 200 [7]	−972. S/2006 S 1 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S 41 [10]	154. 232°	Norse (Skathi) group	2006
42		S/2004 S 17	—		~4	19 099 200 [10]	−985. S/2004 S 17 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S 45 [8][12]	166. 881°	Norse group	2004
43	XXXVIII	Bergelmir	bɛrˈjɛlmɪr		~6	19 104 000 [10]	−985. Bergelmir (ˌbɛrˈjɛlmɪr berr-YEL-mirr or Saturn XXXVIII (provisional designation S/2004 S 15) is a Natural satellite of Saturn 83 [8][12]	157. 384°	Norse (Skathi) group	2004
44	XXXI	Narvi	ˈnɑrvi		~7	19 395 200 [10]	−1008. Narvi (ˈnɑrvi NAR-vee or Saturn XXXI, is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 45 [8][12]	137. 292°	Norse (Narvi) group	2003
45	XXIII	Suttungr	ˈsʊtʊŋɡɚ		~7	19 579 000 [10]	−1022. Suttungr (ˈsʊtʊŋɡɚ SOOT-oong-gər or Saturn XXIII, is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 82 [8][12]	174. 321°	Norse group	2000
46	XLIII	Hati	ˈhɑːti		~6	19 709 300 [10]	−1033. Hati (ˈhɑːti HAH-tee or Saturn XLIII (provisional designation S/2004 S 14) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 05 [8][12]	163. 131°		2004
47		S/2004 S 12	—		~5	19 905 900 [10]	−1048. S/2004 S 12 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S 54 [8][12]	164. 042°		2004
48	XL	Farbauti	fɑrˈbaʊti		~5	19 984 800 [10]	−1054. Farbauti (fɑrˈbaʊti far-BOW-tee or Saturn XL (provisional designation S/2004 S 9) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 78 [8][12]	158. 361°	Norse (Skathi) group	2004
49	XXX	Thrymr	ˈθrɪmɚ		~7	20 278 100 [10]	−1078. Thrymr (ˈθrɪmər THRIM-ər or Saturn XXX, is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 09 [8][12]	174. 524°	Norse group	2000
50	XXXVI	Aegir	ˈaɪɚ		~6	20 482 900 [10]	−1094. Aegir (ˈajɪr EYE-irr or Saturn XXXVI (provisional designation S/2004 S 10) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 46 [8][12]	167. 425°		2004
51		S/2007 S 3	—		~5	20 518 500	~ −1100	177. S/2007 S 3 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S 22°		2007
52	XXXIX	Bestla	ˈbɛstlə		~7	20 570 000 [10]	−1101. Bestla (ˈbɛstlə BEST-lə or Saturn XXXIX (provisional designation S/2004 S 18) is a retrograde Irregular satellite of 45 [8][12]	147. 395°	Norse (Narvi) group	2004
53		S/2004 S 7	—		~6	20 576 700 [10]	−1101. S/2004 S 7 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S 99 [8][12]	165. 596°	Norse group	2004
54		S/2006 S 3	—		~6	21 076 300 [7]	−1142. S/2006 S 3 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S 37 [10]	150. 817°	Norse (Skathi) group	2006
55	XLI	Fenrir	ˈfɛnrɪr		~4	21 930 644 [10]	−1212. Fenrir (ˈfɛnrɪr FEN-rirr or Saturn XLI (provisional designation S/2004 S 16) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 53 [8][12]	162. 832°	Norse group	2004
56	XLVIII	Surtur	ˈsʊərtɚ		~6	22 288 916 [7]	−1242. Surtur (ˈsɝːtɚ SURR-tər or Saturn XLVIII (provisional designation S/2006 S 7) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 36 [10]	166. 918°		2006
57	XLV	Kari	ˈkɑːri		~7	22 321 200 [7]	−1245. For the similarly named asteroid see 832 Karin. ---- Kari (ˈkɑri KAR-ee in Icelandic ˈkɑʊri or Saturn XLV 06 [10]	148. 384°	Norse (Skathi) group	2006
58	XIX	Ymir	ˈɪmɪr		~18	22 429 673 [10]	−1254. Ymir (ˈɪmɪr IM-irr or Saturn XIX is a retrograde Irregular moon of Saturn. 15 [8][12]	172. 143°	Norse group	2000
59	XLVI	Loge	ˈlɔɪeɪ		~6	22 984 322 [7]	−1300. Loge (ˈlɔɪeɪ LOY-ey or spelling pronunciation LOH-gee or Saturn XLVI (provisional designation S/2006 S 5) is a 95 [10]	166. 539°		2006
60	XLII	Fornjot	ˈfɔrnjɒt		~6	24 504 879 [10]	−1432. Fornjot (ˈfɔrnjɒt FOR-nyot or Saturn XLII (provisional designation S/2004 S 8) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. 16 [8][12]	167. 886°		2004

The following objects have not been confirmed as satellites:

Order	Name			Image	Diameter (km)	Semi-major axis (km)	Orbital period (d)	Inclination	Position	Discovered
*		S/2004 S 6 [14]			~3−5	140,130 [5]	+0. 61801 [5]		uncertain objects around the F-Ring	2004
*		S/2004 S 4 [15]			~3−5	~140,100 [16]	+0. 619 [11]			2004
*		S/2004 S 3 [14]			~3−5	~140,300 [17]	~ +0. 62			2004

Grouping the moons

Although the borders may be somewhat nebulous, Saturn's moons can be divided into nine groups.

A-Ring moonlets

In 2006, four tiny "moonlets" were found in Cassini images of the A Ring. ^[1] The moonlets themselves are only about a hundred meters in diameter, too small to be seen directly; what Cassini sees are the "propeller"-shaped disturbance the moonlets create, which are several km across. It is estimated that the A Ring contains thousands of such objects. In 2007, the discovery of eight more moonlets revealed that they are largely confined to a 3000-km belt, about 130,000 km from Saturn's center^[2] Over 150 "propeller" moonlets have now been detected. ^[3]

Ring shepherds

Shepherd satellites are moons that orbit within, or just beyond, a planet's ring system. A planetary ring is a ring of Cosmic dust and other small particles Orbiting around a Planet in a flat disc-shaped region A planetary ring is a ring of Cosmic dust and other small particles Orbiting around a Planet in a flat disc-shaped region They have the effect of sculpting the rings: giving them sharp edges, and creating gaps between them. Saturn's shepherd moons are the moonlets, Pan, Daphnis, Atlas, Prometheus, Pandora, in addition to the unconfirmed moons S/2004 S 4, S/2004 S 6 and S/2004 S 3. For the moon of Jupiter known by this name 1955-1975 see Carme (moon. Daphnis (ˈdæfnɨs, or as Greek Δαφνίς is an Inner satellite of Saturn. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Atlas (ˈætləs, or as Greek Άτλας TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Prometheus (proʊˈmiːθiəs,, or There is also an Asteroid called 55 Pandora.

Co-orbitals

Janus and Epimetheus are co-orbital moons. Saturn X redirects here For the spurious moon reported in 1905 see Themis (moon TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Epimetheus (ˌɛpɨˈmiːθiəs,, or Co-orbital moons are Natural satellites that orbit at the same (or very similar distance from their parent Planet as each other These two moons are of roughly equal size and have orbits with only a few kilometers difference in diameter, close enough that they would collide if they attempted to pass each other. Instead of colliding, however, their gravitational interaction causes them to swap orbits every four years. See Epimetheus' article for a more detailed explanation of this arrangement. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Epimetheus (ˌɛpɨˈmiːθiəs,, or

Inner large moons

The innermost large moons of Saturn orbit within its tenuous E Ring. They are:

• Mimas, the "Death Star" moon, with a deep crater one fifth its diameter;
• Enceladus, a bright, striped moon whose geysers are the source of the E Ring;
• Tethys, with a canyon running three-quarters its circumference that formed when an internal ocean froze;
• Dione, with wispy terrain on its trailing hemisphere. TemplateInfobox Planet. --> Mimas (ˈmaɪməs, or as Greek Herschel (ˈhɝːʃəl is a huge crater on the Saturnian moon Mimas. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> This article is about the moon of The tiger stripes of Enceladus consist of four sub-parallel linear depressions in the south polar region of the Saturnian moon TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Tethys (ˈtiːθɨs, /ˈtɛθɨs/, or Ithaca Chasma is a valley on Saturn 's moon Tethys. It is 100 km wide 3 to 5 km deep and 2000 km long running approximately three-fourths of the way around Tethys' TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Dione (daɪˈoʊni, or as in Greek Linea (ˈlɪniːə is Latin for 'line' In Planetary geology it is used to refer to any long marking dark or bright on a Planet or Moon 's

Alkyonides

See also: Alkyonides

Three recently discovered tiny moons also orbit within this group: Methone, Pallene, and Anthe. The Alkyonides (Αλκυονίδες were in Greek mythology, the seven daughters of Alkyoneus. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Anthe (ˈænθiː, or as Greek So too do the co-orbital moons that form a group of their own (see below).

Trojan moons

Main article: Trojan moon

Trojan moons are another kind of co-orbital. A trojan moon is a Natural satellite of a Planet occupying the L4 or L5 equilateral Lagrangian points of a primary-moon system Like the other co-orbitals, they are a feature unique to the Saturnian system. They are moons that orbit at exactly the same distance from Saturn as another moon, but at such a distance from the other moon that they never collide. Tethys has two tiny co-orbitals Telesto and Calypso, and Dione also has two, Helene and Polydeuces. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Telesto (tɨˈlɛstoʊ, or as Greek TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Calypso (kəˈlɪpsoʊ, or as in Greek TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Helene (ˈhɛlɨni, sometimes, or as All four of these moons orbit in the larger moons' L₄ or L₅ Lagrangian points, one in each point.

Outer large moons

Saturn's largest moons all orbit beyond its E Ring and can thus be considered a distinct group. They are:

• Rhea, which may have its own ring system;
• Titan, a huge moon, with methane lakes, sand dunes made of organic material, and an atmosphere thicker than Earth's;
• Hyperion, a smallish, tumbling moon that looks like a sponge;
• Iapetus, a two-toned, walnut-shaped moon with an equatorial ridge. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Rhea (ˈriːə, or as in Greek The Saturnian moon Rhea may have a tenuous ring system consisting of three narrow relatively dense bands within a particulate disk TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Titan (ˈtaɪtən, or as The lakes of Titan, a moon of Saturn, are bodies of liquid methane that have been detected by the Cassini space probe and had been suspected long In physical Geography, a dune is a Hill of Sand built by Aeolian processes. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Hyperion (haɪˈpɪəriən, or as in TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Iapetus (aɪˈæpɨtəs, or as in Greek Equatorial ridges are a feature of at least three of Saturn 's moons: the large moon Iapetus and the tiny moons Atlas and Pan.

Irregular moons

Irregular satellites of Saturn.

Irregular moons are small satellites with large-radius, inclined, and sometimes retrograde orbits, believed to have been acquired by the parent planet through a capture process. In Astronomy, an irregular moon is a Natural satellite following a distant inclined, and often retrograde Orbit. Direct motion is the motion of a Planetary body in a direction similar to that of other bodies within its system and is sometimes called prograde motion. The largest Saturnian irregular by far, and the only one known in any detail, is Phoebe. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Phoebe (ˈfiːbi, or as in Greek

Inuit group

Main article: Saturn's Inuit group of satellites

The Inuit group are five prograde outer moons that are similar enough in their distances from Saturn and their orbital inclinations that they can be considered a group. The Inuit group is a dynamical grouping of the Prograde Irregular satellites Saturn which follow similar Orbits Their semi-major axes Direct motion is the motion of a Planetary body in a direction similar to that of other bodies within its system and is sometimes called prograde motion. They are Ijiraq, Kiviuq, Paaliaq, Siarnaq, and Tarqeq. Ijiraq (ˈiːɨrɑːk EE-yə-rahk or EE-jə-rahk is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn Kiviuq (ˈkiːvioʊk KEE-vee-ohk or KIV-ee-ook is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn Paaliaq (ˈpɑːliɑːk PAH-lee-ahk is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. Siarnaq (ˈsiːɑrnɑːk SEE-ar-naak or Saturn XXIX, is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. Tarqeq (ˈtɑrkeɪk TAR-kayk also known as Saturn LII (provisional designation S/2007 S 1) is a Natural satellite of Saturn

Norse group

Main article: Saturn's Norse group of satellites

The Norse group are 29 retrograde outer moons that are similar enough in their distance from Saturn to be considered a group. The Norse group is a large group of retrograde Irregular satellites of Saturn. Direct motion is the motion of a Planetary body in a direction similar to that of other bodies within its system and is sometimes called prograde motion. They are Aegir, Bergelmir, Bestla, Farbauti, Fenrir, Fornjot, Greip (moon), Hati, Hyrrokkin, Jarnsaxa, Kari, Loge, Mundilfari, Narvi, Phoebe, Skathi, Skoll, Surtur, Suttungr, Thrymr, Ymir, S/2004 S 7, S/2004 S 12, S/2004 S 13, S/2004 S 17, S/2006 S 1, S/2006 S 3, S/2007 S 2, and S/2007 S 3. Aegir (ˈajɪr EYE-irr or Saturn XXXVI (provisional designation S/2004 S 10) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Bergelmir (ˌbɛrˈjɛlmɪr berr-YEL-mirr or Saturn XXXVIII (provisional designation S/2004 S 15) is a Natural satellite of Saturn Bestla (ˈbɛstlə BEST-lə or Saturn XXXIX (provisional designation S/2004 S 18) is a retrograde Irregular satellite of Farbauti (fɑrˈbaʊti far-BOW-tee or Saturn XL (provisional designation S/2004 S 9) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Fenrir (ˈfɛnrɪr FEN-rirr or Saturn XLI (provisional designation S/2004 S 16) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Fornjot (ˈfɔrnjɒt FOR-nyot or Saturn XLII (provisional designation S/2004 S 8) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Greip (ˈgreɪp greyp or Saturn LI (provisional designation S/2006 S 4) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Hati (ˈhɑːti HAH-tee or Saturn XLIII (provisional designation S/2004 S 14) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Hyrrokkin (ˌhɪˈrɒkɨn hirr-ROK-in or Saturn XLIV (provisional designation S/2004 S 19) is a Natural satellite of Saturn Jarnsaxa, (jɑrnˈsæksə yarn-SAKS-ə also known as Saturn L (provisional designation S/2006 S 6) is a Natural satellite of For the similarly named asteroid see 832 Karin. ---- Kari (ˈkɑri KAR-ee in Icelandic ˈkɑʊri or Saturn XLV Loge (ˈlɔɪeɪ LOY-ey or spelling pronunciation LOH-gee or Saturn XLVI (provisional designation S/2006 S 5) is a Mundilfari (ˈmʊndɨlˈvɛəri MOON-dəl-VAIR-ee Norse Mundilfäri or Saturn XXV, is a Natural satellite Narvi (ˈnɑrvi NAR-vee or Saturn XXXI, is a Natural satellite of Saturn. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Phoebe (ˈfiːbi, or as in Greek Skathi (ˈskɑːði SKAH-dhee or Saturn XXVII, is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Skoll (ˈskɒl skol or as Norse skœlː or Saturn XLVII (provisional designation S/2006 S 8) is a retrograde Irregular satellite of Saturn Surtur (ˈsɝːtɚ SURR-tər or Saturn XLVIII (provisional designation S/2006 S 7) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Suttungr (ˈsʊtʊŋɡɚ SOOT-oong-gər or Saturn XXIII, is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Thrymr (ˈθrɪmər THRIM-ər or Saturn XXX, is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Ymir (ˈɪmɪr IM-irr or Saturn XIX is a retrograde Irregular moon of Saturn. S/2004 S 7 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S S/2004 S 12 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S S/2004 S 13 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S S/2004 S 17 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S S/2006 S 1 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S S/2006 S 3 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S S/2007 S 2 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S S/2007 S 3 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S

Gallic group

Main article: Saturn's Gallic group of satellites

The Gallic group are four prograde outer moons that are similar enough in their distance from Saturn and their orbital inclination that they can be considered a group. The Gallic group is a dynamical grouping of the Prograde Irregular satellites of Saturn following similar Orbits Their semi-major axes They are Albiorix, Bebhionn, Erriapus, and Tarvos. Albiorix (ˌælbiːˈɔrɨks AL-bee-OR-iks is a Prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. Bebhionn (ˈbɛviːn BEV-een or Saturn XXXVII (provisional designation S/2004 S 11) is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Erriapus (ˌɛriˈæpəs ERR-ee-AP-əs or as Latin Erriapus Erriappus also Saturn XXVIII, is a Prograde Tarvos (ˈtɑrvəs TAR-vəs or ˈtɑrvɒs TAR-vos or Saturn XXI is a Prograde irregular satellite

The diagram illustrates the orbits of the irregular satellites of Saturn discovered so far¹. In Astronomy, an irregular moon is a Natural satellite following a distant inclined, and often retrograde Orbit. The eccentricity of the orbits is represented by the segments (extending from the pericentre to the apocentre) with the inclination represented on Y axis. In Celestial mechanics, an apsis, plural apsides (ˈæpsɨdɪːz is the point of greatest or least distance of the Elliptical orbit of an object from In Celestial mechanics, an apsis, plural apsides (ˈæpsɨdɪːz is the point of greatest or least distance of the Elliptical orbit of an object from The satellites above the axis are prograde, the satellites beneath are retrograde. Direct motion is the motion of a Planetary body in a direction similar to that of other bodies within its system and is sometimes called prograde motion. Direct motion is the motion of a Planetary body in a direction similar to that of other bodies within its system and is sometimes called prograde motion. The X axis is labelled in Gm (million km) and the fraction of the Hill sphere's (gravitational influence) radius (~65 Gm for Saturn). The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International A Hill sphere is roughly the volume around an Astronomical body (such as a Planet) where it dominates in attraction of Satellites to that body rather Prograde groups: Inuit and Gallic and the retrograde Norse group are clearly identifiable (from top to bottom).

¹Named satellites are plotted in yellow; the unnamed satellites S/2004 Sxx (announced in 2005 and 2006) are plotted in white and S/2006 Sxx in grey.

Discovery

Before the advent of telescopic photography, eight moons of Saturn were discovered by direct observation using an optical telescope:

• Titan, discovered in 1655 by Christiaan Huygens;
• Tethys, Dione, Rhea and Iapetus (the "Sidera Lodoicea") discovered 1671-1684 by Giovanni Domenico Cassini;
• Mimas and Enceladus, discovered 1789 by William Herschel;
• Hyperion, discovered 1848 by W.C. Bond, G.P. Bond and Lassell. A telescope is an instrument designed for the observation of remote objects and the collection of Electromagnetic radiation. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Titan (ˈtaɪtən, or as Christiaan Huygens (ˈhaɪgənz in English ˈhœyɣəns in Dutch) ( April 14, 1629 &ndash July 8, 1695) was a Dutch TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Tethys (ˈtiːθɨs, /ˈtɛθɨs/, or TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Dione (daɪˈoʊni, or as in Greek TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Rhea (ˈriːə, or as in Greek TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Iapetus (aɪˈæpɨtəs, or as in Greek Sidera Lodoicea (ˈsɪdərə ˌlɒdoʊˈɪʃ(iə is the name given by the astronomer Giovanni Domenico Cassini to the four moons of Saturn discovered by him in the Giovanni Domenico Cassini ( June 8, 1625 &ndash September 14, 1712) was an Italian Mathematician, Astronomer TemplateInfobox Planet. --> Mimas (ˈmaɪməs, or as Greek TemplateInfobox Planet.--> This article is about the moon of Sir Frederick William Herschel FRS KH ( 15 November 1738 – 25 August 1822) was a German -born British TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Hyperion (haɪˈpɪəriən, or as in William Cranch Bond ( September 9, 1789 &ndash January 29, 1859) was an American Astronomer, and the first director of Harvard George Phillips Bond ( May 20, 1825 &ndash February 17, 1865) was an American Astronomer. William Lassell ( June 18 1799 &ndash October 5 1880) was an English Astronomer.
• The spurious satellite Chiron, "discovered" in 1861, is now known not to exist. Chiron is the name given to a supposed moon of Saturn sighted by Hermann Goldschmidt in 1861

The use of long-exposure photographic plates made it possible to discover additional moons:

• Phoebe was the first satellite discovered by telescopic photograph in 1899 by W.H. Pickering. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Phoebe (ˈfiːbi, or as in Greek William Henry Pickering ( February 15, 1858 &ndash January 17, 1938) was an American Astronomer, brother of Edward
• Themis, "discovered" in 1905, also was later proven not to exist. On April 28, 1905, William H Pickering, who had seven years earlier discovered Phoebe, announced the discovery of a tenth satellite of
• In 1966, the satellites Janus and Epimetheus were observed, but not confirmed, and it was not realized that there were two distinct moons sharing an orbit. Saturn X redirects here For the spurious moon reported in 1905 see Themis (moon TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Epimetheus (ˌɛpɨˈmiːθiəs,, or

The study of the outer planets has since been revolutionized, first by the use of unmanned space probes, and then by advances in telescopy:

• From 1980, when the first of the Voyager space probes arrived at Saturn, to 1990, analysis of Voyager images revealed eight more moons in the inner Saturnian system. See also Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. The Voyager program consists of a pair of unmanned scientific probes Voyager 1 and The last discovered was Pan. For the moon of Jupiter known by this name 1955-1975 see Carme (moon.
• A survey starting in late 2000 found thirteen new moons orbiting Saturn at a great distance in orbits that suggest they are fragments of larger bodies captured by Saturn's gravitational pull (Nature vol. 412, pp. 163–166).
• The Cassini mission, which arrived at Saturn in the summer of 2004, discovered three small moons in the inner Saturnian system as well as three suspected but unconfirmed moons in the F Ring. Cassini–Huygens is a joint NASA / ESA / ASI Robotic spacecraft mission currently studying the planet Saturn and its Saturn has the most extensive Planetary ring system of any planet in the Solar System. This increased the total to thirty-seven moons, confirmed and unconfirmed.
• On November 16, 2004, Cassini scientists announced that the structure of Saturn's rings indicates the presence of several more moons orbiting within the rings, but only one, Daphnis, has been visually confirmed so far (its confirmation was announced on May 6, 2005). Events 534 - A second and final revision of the Codex Justinianus is published "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Saturn has the most extensive Planetary ring system of any planet in the Solar System. Daphnis (ˈdæfnɨs, or as Greek Δαφνίς is an Inner satellite of Saturn. Events 1527 - Spanish and German troops sack Rome; some consider this the end of the Renaissance. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [1].
• On May 3, 2005, astronomers using the Mauna Kea Observatory announced the discovery of twelve more small outer moons [2] [3]. Events 1491 - Kongo monarch Nkuwu Nzinga is baptised by Portuguese missionaries adopting the baptismal name of João Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Observatories at Mauna Kea, (MKO are an independent collection of astronomical research facilities located on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawai'i
• On June 30, 2006, astronomers using the Subaru 8.2 m telescope announced the discovery of nine more small outer moons [4]. Events 350 - Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, is defeated and killed by troops of the Usurper Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Subaru Telescope (In Japanese: すばる望遠鏡 is the 82 Metre flagship telescope of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, located in
• On April 13, 2007, Tarqeq was announced. Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Tarqeq (ˈtɑrkeɪk TAR-kayk also known as Saturn LII (provisional designation S/2007 S 1) is a Natural satellite of Saturn
• On May 1, 2007, S/2007 S 2 and S/2007 S 3 were announced. Events 305 - Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. S/2007 S 2 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S S/2007 S 3 is a Natural satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S
• On July 18, 2007, Anthe was announced. Events 390 BC - Roman - Gaulish Wars Battle of the Allia - a Roman army is defeated by raiding Gauls, Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Anthe (ˈænθiː, or as Greek
• On March 6, 2008, it was announced that Cassini observations of a depletion of energetic electrons in Saturn's magnetosphere near Rhea might be the signature of a tenuous ring system around Saturn's second largest moon. Events 1079 - Omar Khayyám completes the Iranian calendar. 1454 - Thirteen Years' War: Delegates of 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common A magnetosphere' is a highly magnetized region around and possessed by an Astronomical object. TemplateInfobox Planet.--> Rhea (ˈriːə, or as in Greek The Saturnian moon Rhea may have a tenuous ring system consisting of three narrow relatively dense bands within a particulate disk ^[18]

Naming notes

Some asteroids share the same names as moons of Saturn: 55 Pandora, 106 Dione, 577 Rhea, 1809 Prometheus, 1810 Epimetheus, 4450 Pan. Asteroids, sometimes called Minor planets or planetoids', are bodies—primarily of the inner Solar System —that are smaller than planets but TemplateInfobox Planet. --> 55 Pandora is an extremely large and very bright Main belt Asteroid 577 Rhea 1809 Prometheus is an Asteroid that shares the name of one of the lesser-known Saturnian moons Prometheus. 1810 Epimetheus is an Asteroid that was discovered on September 24, 1960 by Cornelis Johannes Van Houten, Ingrid Van Houten-Groeneveld 4450 Pan is an asteroid that was discovered on September 25, 1987 by Eugene and Carolyn Shoemaker See also Name conflicts of solar system objects. Although in principle every named body in the Solar System ought to have a distinct name due to a variety of circumstances there are several real or apparent name conflicts

See also

• Saturn's moons in fiction
• Natural satellites of Mars · Jupiter · Uranus · Neptune · Pluto
• Timeline of discovery of Solar System planets and their natural satellites
• Naming of natural satellites
• Carolyn Porco: Fly me to the moons of Saturn

References

External links

• Saturnian Satellites Fact Sheet
• Saturn's Rings by NASA's Solar System Exploration
• USGS Astrogeology: Gazetteer of Planetary Names - Planetary Body Names and Discoverers
• Saturn's Moons Astronomy Cast episode #61, includes full transcript. Astronomy Cast is an educational Nonprofit Podcast discussing various topics in the field of Astronomy.