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Prometheus [pro-MEE-thee-us] acts as a shepherding satellite, constraining the extent of the inner edge of Saturn's F Ring. Prometheus is extremely irregular and has visible craters -- some up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) in diameter. However, it is much less cratered than its nearby neighbors Pandora, Janus and Epimetheus. The density of Prometheus has been estimated to be low; it is probably a porous, icy body.
How Prometheus Got Its Name
Moons of Saturn were originally named for Greco-Roman Titans and descendants of the Titans. But as many new moons were discovered scientists began selecting names from more mythologies, including Gallic, Inuit and Norse stories.
Prometheus was the son of the Titan Iapetus and brother of Atlas and Epimetheus. He is best known in Greek mythology for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity.
Prometheus was originally designated S/1980 S27.
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Flyby Dates |
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- No targeted flyby.
Closest approach: Dec. 6, 2015 -- 22,201 km (13,795 miles)
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Fast Facts |
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- Discovered in 1980 by the Voyager team
- Distance from Saturn: 139,353 km (85,590 miles)
- Period of Orbit around Saturn: 14.7 hours
- Diameter: 148 x 100 x 68 km (92 x 62 x 42 miles)
- Mass: 1.9 x 1017 kg (4.18 x 1017 lbs)
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Science Goals |
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- Determine general characteristics and geological history of Prometheus
- Define the different physical processes that created the surface of Prometheus
- Investigate composition and distribution of surface materials on Prometheus -- particularly dark, organic-rich materials and condensed ice with a low melting point
- Determine the bulk composition and internal structure of Prometheus
- Investigate interaction of Prometheus with Saturn's magnetosphere and ring system
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Saturn's Moons (sorted alphabetically) |
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