Astronomers identify 128 new moons orbiting Saturn

Astronomers have announced the discovery of 128 new moons orbiting Saturn, bringing the planet’s total to 274 and solidifying its status as the “moon king” of the solar system, The Guardian reported. This significant increase surpasses the total number of moons of all other planets combined. Previously, Jupiter held this title with 95 confirmed moons.

Lead researcher Dr. Edward Ashton from the Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics noted that the new moons were identified using a “shift and stack” technique, which enhances the visibility of faint celestial bodies. The newly discovered moons, primarily irregular and potato-shaped, highlight the complexities of defining what constitutes a moon.

The International Astronomical Union has formally recognized the new moons, which will eventually be named after Gallic, Norse, and Canadian Inuit deities. Understanding these moons could provide insights into the early solar system’s turbulent history, as many are believed to be remnants of larger objects that fragmented due to violent collisions.