S/2007 S 8

Last updated
S/2007 S 8
Discovery
Discovered by Scott S. Sheppard, David C. Jewitt, Jan Kleyna, Brett J. Gladman, E. Ashton
Discovery date2007
Orbital characteristics
17,049,000  km (10,594,000 mi) [1]
Eccentricity 0.490
2.291 yrs (836.90 d) [1]
Inclination 36.5° (to the ecliptic)
Satellite of Saturn
Group Gallic group
Physical characteristics
4 km
16.0

    S/2007 S 8 is a small and faint irregular satellite of Saturn. Its discovery was announced by Scott S. Sheppard, David C. Jewitt, Jan Kleyna, Edward Ashton, Brett J. Gladman, Jean-Marc Petit and Mike Alexandersen on May 10, 2023 from observations taken between January 5, 2005 and July 9, 2021. [2]

    Physical Characteristics, Orbit and Origin

    S/2007 S 8 orbits Saturn at a distance of 17.049 Gm in 836.90 days, at an inclination of 36.5, orbits in a prograde direction and with an eccentricity of 0.490. [2] S/2007 S 8 belongs to the Gallic group and may have been a fragment of a larger moon. [3]

    S/2007 S 8 is estimated to be about 4 kilometers in diameter.

    References

    1. 1 2 "Planetary Satellite Mean Elements". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. California Institute of Technology. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
    2. 1 2 "MPEC 2023-J81 : S/2007 S 8". Minor Planet Electronic Circular. Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
    3. Ashton, Edward; Gladman, Brett; Alexandersen, Mike; Petit, Jean-Marc (10 March 2025). "Retrograde predominance of small saturnian moons reiterates a recent retrograde collisional disruption". Planetary Science Journal. arXiv: 2503.07081 . Retrieved 13 March 2025.