Hyperion (moon)
Hyperion /haɪˈpɪəriən/, also known as Saturn VII, is the eighth-largest moon of Saturn. It distinguished by its highly irregular shape, chaotic rotation, low density, and its unusual sponge-like appearance. It was the first non-rounded moon to be discovered.
Hyperion in approximately natural color, as photographed by the Cassini spacecraft | |
| Discovery | |
|---|---|
| Discovered by |
|
| Discovery date | 16 September 1848 |
| Designations | |
Designation | Saturn VII |
| Pronunciation | /haɪˈpɪəriən/ |
Named after | Ὑπερίων Hyperīon |
| Adjectives | Hyperionian /ˌhɪpəraɪˈoʊniən/ |
| Orbital characteristics | |
Semi-major axis | 1,481,009 km (920,256 mi) |
| Eccentricity | 0.1230061 |
Orbital period (sidereal) | 21.276 d |
| Inclination | 0.43° (to Saturn's equator) |
| Satellite of | Saturn |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Dimensions | 360.2 km × 266.0 km × 205.4 km (223.8 mi × 165.3 mi × 127.6 mi) |
Mean radius | 135.00±4.00 km |
| Mass | (5.5510±0.0007)×1018 kg |
Mean density | 0.5386±0.0479 g/cm3 |
Surface gravity | 0.017–0.021 m/s2 depending on location |
| 45–99 m/s depending on location. | |
Synodic rotation period | ~13 d (chaotic) |
| variable | |
| Albedo | 0.3 |
| Temperature | 93 K (−180 C) |
| 14.1 | |
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