Saturn and moons
23 Jun at 16:51 by Wilson
Saturn has always been the most spectacular planet in the solar system, and it looks like every time you look you find a new satellite orbiting it; I think the total number is up to 47 already. Actually, it’s hard to give a precise number, and the problem is similar to that of deciding whether Pluto is a planet or not: technically, all of the small chunks of ice and rock that orbit Saturn, both independently and as part of its rings, are satellites, and there’s not a clear distinction between “small moon” and “large rock”.
In any case, the Cassini Imaging Lab has released a series of beautiful animations depicting the movement of Saturn and some of its moons. Definitely worth taking a look. The third one in particular, “Staying with Epimetheus”, shows quite clearly the amazing range of sizes the Saturnian moons come in.
And, admit it: you had no idea Saturn had a moon called Epimetheus, did you?
(on an unrelated note, Pluto’s new moons very officially named this week: they’re Nix and Hydra, joining the already known Charon; and the IAU should rule in September on what’s the official definition of a planet, so we may end this year with anything between 8 and 10 planets in our solar system)
The sky tonight
15 Jun at 16:47 by Wilson
Choosing binoculars – part 2
13 Jun at 16:49 by Wilson
Choosing binoculars – part 1
6 Jun at 16:51 by Wilson
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