Cassini scientists have identified the presence of a previously unknown moonlet within Saturn’s thin G-ring, as seen in this series of photos spanning about ten minutes of time. The moonlet, only about a third of a mile wide, is the bright streak traveling in the center of the ring. (The other streaks are overexposed stars in the background.)
This confirms what scientists believed must be present: a moon of some sort within the ring that would supply material to it in the form of ejected matter, such as dust and debris. It’s possible there are more moonlets like this within the same ring. The Cassini mission will continue to explore further.
Image credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
Lights in the Dark 