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View Full Version : Cassini: Tethys and Hyperion Flybys in September 24 & 26


September 22nd 05, 05:24 PM
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/news/events/tethys-hyperion/index.cfm

Tethys and Hyperion Flyby - Sept. 24 and 26, 2005

This week Cassini will play a doubleheader with two flybys of Saturn's
moon's Tethys (Sept. 24) and Hyperion (Sept. 26). Cassini will be
eye-to-eye with Tethys' giant Odysseus impact-crater. Cassini's close
brush with the chaotic, tumbling Hyperion might tell us whether it is
a rubble pile.

Scientists also hope to be able to shed more light on the following:

* The origin of the huge canyon-like feature named Ithaca Chasma on
Tethys is not completely understood, but it might be related to
the impact that created Odysseus.

* Hyperion's elliptical orbit and irregular shape influence its
chaotic tumbling, which may have started after a giant impact
with
another body.

Tethys and Hyperion at a Glance

Tethys Flyby
Sept. 24, 2005

Distance
1,503 km (994 miles)

Hyperion Flyby
Sept. 26, 2005

Distance
505 km (314 miles)