Subscribe now

Space

Saturn now has over 100 known moons - more than any other planet

Astronomers are still discovering new natural satellites of Saturn and Jupiter, with the latest update seeing Saturn claim the crown for the solar system's most moons

By Alex Wilkins

10 May 2023

Saturn is the second-largest planet in the solar system

SCIEPRO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

Saturn officially has the most moons of any planet in the solar system, usurping Jupiter. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has announced the addition of 28 natural satellites for the ringed planet, bringing its total to 117 versus Jupiter’s 95.

As the solar system’s most massive planets, Saturn and Jupiter have enough gravitational pull to pluck space rocks from their orbit around the sun. These captured satellites, termed irregular moons, often have strange, widely looping orbits and astronomers are …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account