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Encyclopedia > Saturn > Satellites > Hyperion
HYPERION : SATELLITE VII OF SATURN
Hyperion (Saturn VII) was discovered by Bond and Lassell in 1848. Its motion in its orbit, very perturbated by Titan, is particularly difficult to describe. Its revolution period is 21 days and 8 hours.
Hyperion is the largest non-spherical body of the solar system. Its spin is chaotic and unpredictable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Semi-major axis in km | 1 481 100 |
| Revolution period | 21.277 jours |
| Rotation period | irregular |
| Orbital velocity | 5 km/s |
| Inclination on the equator of Saturn | 0.64° |
| Eccentricity of the orbit | 0.1035 |
| Size | 410x260x220 km |
| Visual magnitude at the opposition | 14.2 |
| Mass (Saturn=1) | 3/100 000 000 |
| Density (water=1) | 1.4 |
| Escape velocity | 107 m/s |
| Reflectivity (geometric albedo) | 0.3 |
| Atmosphere | no |
| Composition | ice majority silicates |