Saturn’s Moon

Saturn’s Moon

• Saturn has regained its crown as the planet with the most moons in the solar system, just months after being overtaken by its fellow gas giant Jupiter.
• The leap-frog comes after the discovery of 62 new moons of Saturn, bringing its official total to 145. Jupiter, which added 12 moons to its tally in February, has 95 moons that have been formally designated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

Jupiter Facts

• Largest Planet in the Solar System.
• Orbital Period – 11.9 years.
• Total Number of Moons – 95
• Has a thick atmosphere of Helium and Hydrogen.
• Major Missions : Galileo(1989), Juno(2011), Europa Clipper(2024).
• Major Feature : The Great Red Spot.

Saturn Facts

• Second Largest Planet in the Solar System.
• Orbital Period – 29.5 years.
• Total Number of Moons – 145.
• Has a thick atmosphere of Helium and Hydrogen.
• Major Missions – Visited by Pioneer 11, Voyagers 1 and 2, and Cassini (orbited Saturn).
• Major Feature : Spectacular Ring System and an earth-like moon called Titan.

International Astronomical Union

• IAU is a collection of professional astronomers, at the PhD level and beyond, active in professional education and research in astronomy.
• Founded: 1919
• HQ : Paris, France
• Objective:
  • Promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation.
  • It is an internationally recognized authority for assigning designations (names) to celestial bodies (stars, planets, asteroids, etc.) and any surface features on them.

Practice Questions for Prelims

Mains Practice Question

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