Saturn, the second-largest planet in our solar system, is known for its magnificent ring system. However, this gas giant is also accompanied by a fascinating array of moons. Saturn has over 80 known moons, each with its own unique characteristics and features.

Among Saturn's moons, the most famous is Titan. Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the second-largest moon in the solar system. It was discovered by the Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens in 1655. It is the only moon in our solar system known to have a dense atmosphere, primarily composed of nitrogen. Titan's atmosphere is of particular interest to scientists, as it resembles the early atmosphere of Earth and may provide insights into the origins of life.

Another notable moon is Enceladus, which has become a focus of scientific exploration. Enceladus has a bright, icy surface with distinctive geysers erupting from its south pole. These geysers consist of water vapor, ice particles, and organic compounds, raising the possibility of subsurface oceans and potential habitability.

Mimas, one of Saturn's smaller moons, is famous for its prominent crater named Herschel. The impact that created this crater nearly shattered Mimas, leaving behind a distinctive feature resembling the "Death Star" from the Star Wars movies.

Saturn's moons exhibit a wide range of sizes, compositions, and orbital characteristics. Some are small and irregularly shaped, while others are larger and more spherical. Some moons have elliptical orbits, while others are locked in resonances with each other, creating fascinating gravitational interactions.

The study of Saturn's moons provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the Saturnian system, as well as the broader understanding of moon formation in the solar system. These diverse and intriguing moons continue to captivate astronomers and inspire further exploration and scientific investigation.

Below, you can find a list of the 18 main satellites of Saturn, which have a diameter larger than 20 km . The satellites highlighted in color are the ones with a diameter greater than 400 km, and an apparent magnitude lower than 13. These satellites can potentially be observed using an amateur telescope!

Moon Diameter minimum (km) Diameter maximum (km) Distance (km) Orbital period (days) Discovered by Date Magnitude
Pan 20 20 133 585 0.58 Voyager 2 1990 n/a
Atlas 37 37 137 670 0.60 Voyager 1 1980 18
Prometheus 68 148 139 353 0.63 Voyager 1 1980 15.8
Pandora 52 110 141 700 0.63 Voyager 1 1980 16.5
Epimetheus 110 138 151 422 0.69 R. Walker 1966 15.7
Janus 154 194 151 472 0.69 Audouin Dollfus 1966 14.5
Mimas 383 418 185520 0.94 William Hershell 1789 12.9
Enceladus 489 513 238 020 1.37 William Hershell 1789 11.7
Tethys 1051 1071 294 660 1.89 Cassini 1684 10.2
Telesto 15 30 294 660 1.89 B.Smith 1980 18.7
Calypso 16 30 294 660 1.89 D.Pascu 1980 18
Dione 1120 1120 377 400 2.74 Cassini 1684 10.4
Helene 30 36 377 400 2.74 P.Laques 1980 18.5
Rhea 1528 1528 527 040 4.52 Cassini 1672 9.7
Titan 5150 5150 1 221 830 15.95 Christiaan Huygens 1655 8.28
Hyperion 225 360 1 481 100 21.28 W & G Bond 1848 14.19
Iapetus 1436 1436 3 561 300 79.33 Cassini 1671 10.2
Phoebe 220 220 12 952 000 550.48 W Pickering 1898 16.45

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