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Encyclopedia > Saturn > Satellites > Tethys

TETHYS : SATELLITE III OF SATURN



 
Credit : C. J. Hamilton/NASA

Tethys (Saturn III) was discovered by Cassini in 1684. Its revolution period is 1 day et 21 hours.  

Tethys, on its orbit, is accompagnied by two others satellites of Saturn : Telesto ahead 60° and Calypso delayed of 60°("Lagrange" points).  

Origin of the name : click here.

Characteristics Values
Semi-major axis in km  294 992 
Revolution period  1.888 days 
Rotation period  1.888 days
Orbital velocity 11 km/s
Inclination on the equator Saturn 1.10°
Eccentricity of the orbit 0.0
Equatorial diameter (Earth=1)  0.08
Equatorial diameter 1070 km
Visual magnitude of the opposition 10.3
Flattening  0 
Mass (Saturn=1)  1.2/1000 000 
Density (Water=1)  1.1 
Escape velocity 436 m/s
Reflectivity (geometric albedo) 0.9
The highest peak   ? 
Deepest pit 5000m
Surface temperature -187°C
Atmosphere no
Composition ice majority 
silicates