Saturn's "Sponge"

[Greg Bryant]

One of the more unusual images from Cassini. This is a shot of Saturn's moon Hyperion, taken earlier this week.

http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/images/raw/raw-images-details.cfm?feiImageID=50164

[mickoking]

G,day Greg.

Looks like a piece of coral or something???

[Greg Bryant]

Micko,

OK - Saturn's Great Barrier Reef. Yep, Cassini certainly has to watch running aground whilst in orbit :)

[acropolite]

I reckon it's cheese...

[iceman]

Very interesting shot, looks like it's been smashed a few times in its past.

[Thiink]

Very interesting shot. It definitely bares a lot of scars. Where would the impacts that have torn it into pieces come from? Did it possibly originate within the ring system and was thrown out by an impact? Does anyone have any good information on it? I havent turned up any good information on it yet other than photos taken by the Voyager craft.

Also whats the small object directly beneth it? Anyone know?

[ving]

looks to be bareing the scars of a life long battle :)
nice find greg

[mickoking]

To me Hyperion appears porus like pumice stone. I wonder if the sattelite is truly solid at all?

[fringe_dweller]

appears to be a new version of this image now - http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA07740.jpg :eyepop:
Kearn

[ballaratdragons]

They are incredible photos guys! Yes it does look like a sea sponge.

[iceman]

That new photo is incredible, it's also the subject of today's APOD.

[astroron]

Greg to my mind it looks like it could be an expired comet,
as the NASA discription gives it as very fluffy, some of the deep craters give me the impression of vents even though it didn't look like Comet P/9 Temple1.
I am sure that we will get a diffinetive answer before the Cassinni mission come to an end :thumbsup: :einstein: :astron: