The moon of Saturn, Dione covered with mysterious stripes

Mysterious straight and bright stripes were discovered on the moon of Saturn, Dione, according to a study by Associate Researcher of the Planetary Science Institute, Alex Patthoff.

Distribution of linear virgins on Dione and Rhea. The distribution of linear (green) (pink) and candidate virga (orange) virga crater rays is indicated. Global distribution of linear viruses, crater rays and candidate viruses on Dione. b. Detailed view of the linear virets (green arrows) on Dione. Image No. N1649318802 centered at 22 ° W, 10 ° N. c. Overall distribution of the candidate linear virga on Rhea. re. Detailed view of the virga linear candidate. Image credits: A) Basic map of Roatsch et al, 2008. B) Image N ° N1649318802. C) Basic map of Roatsch et al, 2012. D) Image No. N1673420688.

The origins of these linear virgins (virgae meaning a band or a streak of color) are most likely caused by the draping of surface materials like the material of Saturn. Helene and Polydeuces.

"The evidence preserved in the linear virgue has implications for orbital evolution and impact processes within the Saturnian system," Patthoff said. "In addition, the interaction of Dione's surface and exogenous materials has implications for its livability and provides evidence for the delivery of ingredients that may contribute to the habit of oceanic worlds in general."

Patthoff and Emily S. Martin of the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies at the National Museum of Air and Space, are co-authors of the new article entitled "Mysterious linear features on the moon of Saturn", published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. They studied images of NASA's Cbadini spacecraft, which also revealed similar features on Saturn's moon.

The linear virgins of Dione are generally long (10 to 100 km), narrow (less than 5 km) and brighter than the surrounding terrain. The bands are parallel, seem to cover other characteristics and are not affected by the topography, which suggests that they are part of the most recent surfaces of Dioné.

"Their orientation, parallel to the equator, and their linearity are unique in their kind. Solar system, "said Patthoff. "If they are caused by an exogenous source, this could be another way of bringing new material to Dione. This material could have consequences on the biological potential of the Dione submarine ocean. "

Patthoff's research was funded by a grant from NASA's Cbadini data badysis program.