Moon of Saturn
Hyperion
Hyperion is a moon. It orbits Saturn. It is about 270 km across – about as wide as Switzerland. Hyperion looks like a giant sponge and is not round but potato-shaped.
Fact file
- Type
- Moon of Saturn
- Diameter
- 270 km
- Distance from Saturn
- 1,500,880 km
- Orbital period
- 21.3 days
- Temperature
- -180 °C on average
Hyperion orbits Saturn.
Interesting facts about Hyperion
- Hyperion looks like a giant sponge and is not round but potato-shaped.
- It tumbles chaotically: its rotation cannot be predicted over the long term.
- Around 40% of its interior is empty space – it is barely half as dense as water.
Frequently asked questions about Hyperion
How big is Hyperion?
Hyperion has a diameter of 270 km. That is about 7.8% of the diameter of our Moon.
How far is Hyperion from Saturn?
Hyperion orbits Saturn at an average distance of 1.5 million km.
How long does Hyperion take to orbit Saturn?
Hyperion orbits Saturn once every 21.3 days.
How cold or warm is it on Hyperion?
On Hyperion the average temperature is −180 °C.
Formation
Perhaps a fragment of a larger, shattered body. Because of its low density, impacts bore deep into it instead of throwing material out – hence the sponge-like look.
Atmosphere
No atmosphere.
Exploration
Discovered in 1848. Cassini flew close by in 2005 and found that Hyperion is electrically charged.
Compared with Earth
Around 360 x 270 x 200 km in size.
Other moons of Saturn
Test your knowledge of Hyperion
Which moon looks like a sponge and tumbles chaotically?
Hyperion. Hyperion is about 40% empty space, and its rotation cannot be predicted.
The full quiz with points and badges is in the 3D model under “Explore”.
This site is free and has no banner ads. Here is how you can support it