Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

Mimas: Small Moon with a Big Crater

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for May 31, 2021 is “Mimas: Small Moon with a Big Crater,” an image. The picture is copyrighted by its creator (Image Credit & Copyright: NASA , JPL-Caltech , Space Science Institute , Cassini). The original explanation runs about 138 words.

The picture shows Saturn's Moon Mimas featuring a very large circular crater. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: NASA , JPL-Caltech , Space Science Institute , Cassini Copyrighted Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Whatever hit Mimas nearly destroyed it. What remains is one of the largest impact craters on one of Saturn ‘s smallest round moons.”

— APOD editors, May 31, 2021

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
May 31, 2021
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit & Copyright: NASA , JPL-Caltech , Space Science Institute , Cassini
Copyright
Copyrighted by the credited creator. Ask the copyright holder before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 138 words

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The MoonSaturn

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.