Saturn's orbiting family has grown by two with the identification of a pair of small moons circling the planet. Measuring three and four kilometers across, the newfound moons are likely to be only two of many more lurking about Saturn and its rings. Orbiting approximately 200,000 kilometers from the planet's center, the twin lunar satellites pass near a pair of Saturn's other moons, Mimas and Enceladus. Scientists suspect one of the moons may be a previously unclassified object photographed by the Voyager spacecraft 23 years ago. The lunar twins' existence could be the product of good luck and even better choice in location. In cosmic history, small moons are often destroyed by rampaging comets. But in the case of Saturn, passing comets are rare. With the lack of threatening comets, it's quite possible that Saturn's newest moons are very old indeed. Check back with nasa.gov for continued news and information on Cassini's mission to explore Saturn.
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NASA ID
ksc_082404_newmoons
Date Created
August 30, 2004
Center
KSC
Media Type
video
Photographer
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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