Saturn Moon Dione Crosses Planet’s Northern Region
The small Saturnian moon Dione transited Saturn’s north polar region late on October 3, bringing its tiny shadow along for the journey. The tenth-magnitude moon began crossing the far northern region of the ringed gas giant just minutes after 11:40 P.M. EDT.
Dione took about an hour and a half to complete the transit across the planet’s disk. Its small shadow accompanied it during the crossing, positioned just north-northwest of the moon itself. The shadow is all but impossible to pick up visually, though astrophotographers experienced with high-speed planetary video capture might catch it.
Simultaneous Moon Observations Near Saturn
While Dione completed its transit, observers could spot several other moons in the Saturnian system. Tethys and Rhea, two moons of similar brightness, lay to the planet’s west. Tethys positioned itself closer to Saturn than Rhea during the event.
On the opposite side of the planet, Titan shone some 1.5 magnitudes brighter. Titan lay 3.3’ east of Saturn, sitting entirely outside the field of view captured during Dione’s polar transit.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Saturn Transit
What time did the Dione transit begin?
The transit began just minutes after 11:40 P.M. EDT on October 3 and lasted approximately an hour and a half.
Can amateur astronomers see Dione’s shadow?
Visual observation of the shadow is nearly impossible, but astrophotographers using high-speed planetary video capture equipment may be able to record it just north-northwest of the moon.
Where were Titan, Tethys, and Rhea located during the event?
Tethys and Rhea were positioned to the west of Saturn, with Tethys sitting closer to the planet. Titan lay 3.3’ to the east on the opposite side of Saturn.