Mimas Facts For Kids
Mimas is a giant in Greek mythology, known as one of the Gigantes who fought against the Olympian gods during the Gigantomachy.
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Introduction
Mimas is a special moon of Saturn, known for its unique shape and craters! 🪐It's about 396 kilometers wide, which is like stacking four Eiffel Towers! Mimas is often called the "Death Star" moon because it looks a bit like the famous spaceship from Star Wars! Mimas orbits Saturn, located about 1.5 million kilometers (or 932,000 miles) away from the big planet. Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, and it has beautiful rings! 🌟Mimas is also one of the smaller moons, but it sure has an interesting story!
Images of Mimas
William Herschel, discoverer of Mimas
John Herschel, the astronomer who suggested that the moons of Saturn be named after the Titans and Giants
Mimas compared to Ceres and the Moon
A high-relief image of Mimas by Cassini on January 30, 2017. The shapes and the texture of its many overlapping craters can be seen clearly.
PIA17215: Mimas Polar Maps - June 2017 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17215 The northern and southern hemispheres of Saturn's moon Mimas are seen in these polar stereographic maps, mosaicked from the best-available Cassini images. Each map is centered on one of the poles, and surface coverage extends to the equator. Grid lines show latitude and longitude in 30-degree increments. Unlabeled versions of these maps are also provided. The scale in the full-size versions of these maps is 710 feet (216 meters) per pixel. The resolution of the map is 16 pixels per degree. The mean radius of Mimas used for projection of these maps is 123.2 miles (198.2 kilometers). The maps are updates to the versions released in June 2012 (see PIA14927). The mosaics contain new data from two close flybys of Mimas in Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging operations center is based at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov and https://www.nasa.gov/cassini . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at https://ciclops.org .
PIA17215: Mimas Polar Maps - June 2017 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17215 The northern and southern hemispheres of Saturn's moon Mimas are seen in these polar stereographic maps, mosaicked from the best-available Cassini images. Each map is centered on one of the poles, and surface coverage extends to the equator. Grid lines show latitude and longitude in 30-degree increments. Unlabeled versions of these maps are also provided. The scale in the full-size versions of these maps is 710 feet (216 meters) per pixel. The resolution of the map is 16 pixels per degree. The mean radius of Mimas used for projection of these maps is 123.2 miles (198.2 kilometers). The maps are updates to the versions released in June 2012 (see PIA14927). The mosaics contain new data from two close flybys of Mimas in Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging operations center is based at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov and https://www.nasa.gov/cassini . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at https://ciclops.org .
A temperature map overlay of Mimas that looks like Pac-Man
William Herschel, discoverer of Mimas
John Herschel, the astronomer who suggested that the moons of Saturn be named after the Titans and Giants
Mimas compared to Ceres and the Moon
A high-relief image of Mimas by Cassini on January 30, 2017. The shapes and the texture of its many overlapping craters can be seen clearly.
PIA17215: Mimas Polar Maps - June 2017 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17215 The northern and southern hemispheres of Saturn's moon Mimas are seen in these polar stereographic maps, mosaicked from the best-available Cassini images. Each map is centered on one of the poles, and surface coverage extends to the equator. Grid lines show latitude and longitude in 30-degree increments. Unlabeled versions of these maps are also provided. The scale in the full-size versions of these maps is 710 feet (216 meters) per pixel. The resolution of the map is 16 pixels per degree. The mean radius of Mimas used for projection of these maps is 123.2 miles (198.2 kilometers). The maps are updates to the versions released in June 2012 (see PIA14927). The mosaics contain new data from two close flybys of Mimas in Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging operations center is based at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov and https://www.nasa.gov/cassini . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at https://ciclops.org .
PIA17215: Mimas Polar Maps - June 2017 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17215 The northern and southern hemispheres of Saturn's moon Mimas are seen in these polar stereographic maps, mosaicked from the best-available Cassini images. Each map is centered on one of the poles, and surface coverage extends to the equator. Grid lines show latitude and longitude in 30-degree increments. Unlabeled versions of these maps are also provided. The scale in the full-size versions of these maps is 710 feet (216 meters) per pixel. The resolution of the map is 16 pixels per degree. The mean radius of Mimas used for projection of these maps is 123.2 miles (198.2 kilometers). The maps are updates to the versions released in June 2012 (see PIA14927). The mosaics contain new data from two close flybys of Mimas in Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging operations center is based at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov and https://www.nasa.gov/cassini . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at https://ciclops.org .
A temperature map overlay of Mimas that looks like Pac-Man
William Herschel, discoverer of Mimas
John Herschel, the astronomer who suggested that the moons of Saturn be named after the Titans and Giants
Mimas compared to Ceres and the Moon
A high-relief image of Mimas by Cassini on January 30, 2017. The shapes and the texture of its many overlapping craters can be seen clearly.
PIA17215: Mimas Polar Maps - June 2017 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17215 The northern and southern hemispheres of Saturn's moon Mimas are seen in these polar stereographic maps, mosaicked from the best-available Cassini images. Each map is centered on one of the poles, and surface coverage extends to the equator. Grid lines show latitude and longitude in 30-degree increments. Unlabeled versions of these maps are also provided. The scale in the full-size versions of these maps is 710 feet (216 meters) per pixel. The resolution of the map is 16 pixels per degree. The mean radius of Mimas used for projection of these maps is 123.2 miles (198.2 kilometers). The maps are updates to the versions released in June 2012 (see PIA14927). The mosaics contain new data from two close flybys of Mimas in Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging operations center is based at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov and https://www.nasa.gov/cassini . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at https://ciclops.org .
PIA17215: Mimas Polar Maps - June 2017 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17215 The northern and southern hemispheres of Saturn's moon Mimas are seen in these polar stereographic maps, mosaicked from the best-available Cassini images. Each map is centered on one of the poles, and surface coverage extends to the equator. Grid lines show latitude and longitude in 30-degree increments. Unlabeled versions of these maps are also provided. The scale in the full-size versions of these maps is 710 feet (216 meters) per pixel. The resolution of the map is 16 pixels per degree. The mean radius of Mimas used for projection of these maps is 123.2 miles (198.2 kilometers). The maps are updates to the versions released in June 2012 (see PIA14927). The mosaics contain new data from two close flybys of Mimas in Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging operations center is based at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov and https://www.nasa.gov/cassini . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at https://ciclops.org .
A temperature map overlay of Mimas that looks like Pac-Man
William Herschel, discoverer of Mimas
John Herschel, the astronomer who suggested that the moons of Saturn be named after the Titans and Giants
Mimas compared to Ceres and the Moon
A high-relief image of Mimas by Cassini on January 30, 2017. The shapes and the texture of its many overlapping craters can be seen clearly.
PIA17215: Mimas Polar Maps - June 2017 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17215 The northern and southern hemispheres of Saturn's moon Mimas are seen in these polar stereographic maps, mosaicked from the best-available Cassini images. Each map is centered on one of the poles, and surface coverage extends to the equator. Grid lines show latitude and longitude in 30-degree increments. Unlabeled versions of these maps are also provided. The scale in the full-size versions of these maps is 710 feet (216 meters) per pixel. The resolution of the map is 16 pixels per degree. The mean radius of Mimas used for projection of these maps is 123.2 miles (198.2 kilometers). The maps are updates to the versions released in June 2012 (see PIA14927). The mosaics contain new data from two close flybys of Mimas in Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging operations center is based at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov and https://www.nasa.gov/cassini . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at https://ciclops.org .
PIA17215: Mimas Polar Maps - June 2017 https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA17215 The northern and southern hemispheres of Saturn's moon Mimas are seen in these polar stereographic maps, mosaicked from the best-available Cassini images. Each map is centered on one of the poles, and surface coverage extends to the equator. Grid lines show latitude and longitude in 30-degree increments. Unlabeled versions of these maps are also provided. The scale in the full-size versions of these maps is 710 feet (216 meters) per pixel. The resolution of the map is 16 pixels per degree. The mean radius of Mimas used for projection of these maps is 123.2 miles (198.2 kilometers). The maps are updates to the versions released in June 2012 (see PIA14927). The mosaics contain new data from two close flybys of Mimas in Nov. 2016 and Feb. 2017. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of Caltech in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging operations center is based at the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit https://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov and https://www.nasa.gov/cassini . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at https://ciclops.org .
A temperature map overlay of Mimas that looks like Pac-Man
Orbital Dynamics
Mimas orbits Saturn at a distance of about 185,539 kilometers (115,520 miles). 🏌️♂️ It takes about 22 hours and 37 minutes to complete one full trip around the planet. That’s like taking a fast roller coaster ride around Saturn! Mimas is also locked in a special dance with other moons, such as Tethys and Dione. 🎢They influence each other's orbits! This special relationship means that these moons are always adjusting their paths slightly, just like friends who play together!
Surface Features
Mimas is covered with many craters, and the biggest one is Herschel. 🌌In fact, the craters are a clue to how old the moon is! The more craters, the older the surface. Mimas’ surface is also very cold, with temperatures reaching -213 degrees Celsius (-350 degrees Fahrenheit). Brrr! ❄️ It’s like being in a super-duper freezer! Mimas has also been studied through images taken by the Cassini spacecraft, which helped us learn so much about this moon!
Discovery And Naming
Mimas was discovered in 1789 by an astronomer named William Herschel. 👨🔬 He was a famous scientist who found many things in space! Mimas was named after a giant in Greek mythology who was known for his huge size and strength. The name "Mimas" comes from the Titans, who were powerful beings. These Titans fought against the Olympian gods, which makes the name exciting and fun! 🌌Mimas is one of 83 moons of Saturn, and it was discovered long before we had modern telescopes!
Exploration Missions
The most famous mission to study Mimas is the Cassini spacecraft. 🚀Launched in 1997, it arrived at Saturn in 2004 and took tons of photos of Mimas! Cassini helped scientists learn about its surface and showed how craters and ice work together. The information from Cassini is still used today to understand more about Mimas and other moons of Saturn! 📸Even though Cassini is no longer in space, it sent back amazing details before it retired in 2017!
Atmospheric Conditions
Mimas has almost no atmosphere! 🌬️ This means there's no air to breathe or clouds to see. Because of this, temperatures drop very low! When you look at Mimas, it's like seeing a cool, icy ball in space! There's also no weather like rain or wind. ☁️ Since Mimas doesn't have air, scientists can see its surface features more clearly, like craters and ice. So even without air, this little moon is full of surprises!
Physical Characteristics
Mimas is known for its unique round shape, but not perfectly smooth. 🌕Instead, it has a giant crater called Herschel, which is 139 kilometers wide! That's about 0.35 times the moon's entire diameter! This crater makes Mimas look like it has a big dent! The surface is made of ice and rock, which is not too different from our own Moon. What's even cooler is that scientists think Mimas may have a hidden ocean beneath its icy shell! 🌊That makes it a fascinating place to study!
Mythology And Cultural References
Mimas got its name from Greek mythology, where Mimas was one of the Titans. The Titans were giants who fought the Olympians, who were the greatest gods in ancient Greece, like Zeus and Athena! ⚡Mimas represents strength and power! The moon's shape and features have encouraged many scientists and artists to think of space in creative ways, even inspiring stories and movies about intergalactic adventures! 🚀Mimas, like its mythological namesake, is indeed a massive part of our fascination with the universe!
Comparative Analysis With Other Moons
When we compare Mimas to other moons, it stands out, especially for its giant Herschel crater! 🌙For instance, while Ganymede (a moon of Jupiter) is much larger and has its own magnetic field, Mimas is smaller and covered mostly in ice. Europa, another moon of Jupiter, is fascinating for its potential ocean beneath the surface, similar to what scientists think exists on Mimas! 🐙Each moon tells a unique story that helps astronomers learn about the different worlds in our solar system! 🌌
Did you know?
⚔️ Mimas was one of the Giants born from Gaia, the Earth goddess.
🪨 He is often depicted as a powerful figure, symbolizing strength and battle.
🌋 Mimas fought against the Olympian gods during the Gigantomachy.
📜 He is sometimes considered a sibling to other Giants, such as Enceladus and Porphyrion.
🏹 Mimas was known for wielding a weapon, often described as a huge club or stone.
💔 Legend states that he was killed by the god Hephaestus in the conflict.
🌌 Mimas represents the chaotic forces opposing order in Greek mythology.
🌊 Some myths suggest that his body was transformed into a geographical feature posthumously.
🔄 Mimas’s legacy affects various themes in literature, including rebellion and fate.
🎭 He appears in different stories across ancient Greek writings, highlighting his role in the cosmos.
Mimas Quiz
Learn more about Mimas
