Saturn has 128 new moons – more than the rest of the planets combined
New ScientistMAR 6
Astronomers Discover 128 New Moons Orbiting Saturn
Above: Saturn as seen from the Cassini–Huygens space-research mission. Image copyright: Unsplash
The Spin
Narrative A
This discovery is a significant breakthrough in understanding the solar system's evolution. It suggests more recent dynamic activity than previously thought, with the potential for thousands more moons awaiting discovery around Saturn.
Narrative B
The increasing number of small objects being classified as moons raises questions about what should qualify as a moon, with some scientists calling for more precise definitions and potential size limitations for moon classification.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 15% chance that if we find life on an icy moon of the gas giants by 2200, we will also find evidence of macrofauna, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
