Introduction to a “Radical” Working Hypothesis about a Hemisphere-Scale Impact on Dione (Saturn)

Abstract

The study introduces a theory about a giant impact on the surface of Dione. Our study suspects a relatively low-velocity (≤5 km/s) collision between a c.a. 50–80 km diameter object and Dione, which might have resulted in the resurfacing of its intermediate cratered terrain. The source of the impactor might have been a unique satellite-centric debris, a unique impactor population, suspected in the Saturnian system. Other possible candidates are asteroid(s) appearing during the outer Solar System heavy bombardment period, or a collision, which might have happened during the “giant impact phase” in the early Saturnian system (coinciding with the Late Heavy Bombardment, or not).

Keywords

• Dione
• Saturn
• icy satellite
• giant impact theory
• resurfacing