Wikijunior:Solar System/Saturn/Hyperion

Hyperion is a moon of Saturn. It is completely covered in craters and spins at high speeds as it orbits Saturn.

How big is Hyperion?

Hyperion is 266 km wide.

What is its surface like?

The sponge like surface of Hyperion.

The surface of Hyperion is reddish in colour. Some interesting features include the Bond-Lassell Dorsum, the largest ridge on Hyperion (and the only one to have a name), and the largest crater, which is 120 km wide and 10 km deep. There are also many craters on the surface of Hyperion which make it look like a sponge.

How long is a day on Hyperion?

Hyperion has a chaotic orbit. The day usually lasts about five hours.

How long is its orbit around Saturn?

It takes Hyperion about 21.28 days to orbit once around Saturn.

What is it made of?

Hyperion is made of water ice, and a small amount of rock.

Who is it named after?

Hyperion is named after a Titan in Greek mythology. He was the son of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). He was the father of Helios (Sun), Selene (Moon), and Eos (Dawn).

How was it discovered?

Hyperion was discovered by three people: William Cranch Bond, his son George Phillips Bond, and William Lassell in 1848. Lassell discovered Hyperion two days after the Bonds, and he beat them to publication. However, all three are given credit for its discovery.