Article Title: New moons discovered around Saturn
04-04-2025
Geography Current Affairs Analysis
Context
Astronomers have discovered 128 new moons around Saturn, increasing its total count to 274 moons.
Saturn
Saturn is the second-largest planet in the solar system.
Position - 6th planet from the Sun.
Type - Gas giant.
It is surrounded by a beautiful ring system.
Size - Saturn is 9 times wider than Earth. Distance - Saturn is 9.5 Astronomical Units (AU) away from the Sun.
Composition - Mostly hydrogen and helium, similar to Jupiter.
Density - The least dense planet in the Solar System (it could float in water).
Orbital Period- Takes 29.5 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun.
Moon system of Saturn
Total Moons - 274 (after the recent discovery of 128 new moons).
Largest Moon- Titan (2,159 miles across).
Other Major Moons- Enceladus is known for its subsurface ocean and icy plumes.
Characteristics of the new moons
All are irregular moons – meaning they have highly inclined orbits and travel backward (retrograde motion).
Some moons are as small as 2 miles across.
The discovery suggests these moons are remnants of cosmic collisions that happened 100 million years ago.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially ratified the newly identified moons.
International Astronomical Union
• Established in – 1919.
• Mission- Promote and safeguard astronomy through research, education, and international cooperation.
• Headquarters - Paris, France.
• Governance - General Assembly (Every 3 years) defines long-term policy - Executive Committee implements decisions - IAU Officers & Secretariat handle day-to-day operations
• India is an active member in IAU.
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