Key facts
- Discovered by
- J. J. Kavelaars et al.
- Discovery date
- 18 November 2000
- Designation
- Saturn XXIV
- Pronunciation
- / ˈ k ɪ v i . ʌ k /
- Named after
- Kiviuq
- Alternative names
- S/2000 S 5
- Adjectives
- Kiviupian, Kiviuqian
- Semi major axis
- 11.307 million km
- Orbital period sidereal
- 449.13 d , (1.23 yr )
- Satellite of
- Saturn
- Group
- Inuit group (Kiviuq)
- Dimensions
- 38.42 × 17 × 7.64 km
- Mean diameter
- 17 +50%, −30% km
- Synodic rotation period
- 21.97 ± 0.16 h
- Albedo
- 0.06 assumed
- Spectral type
- B−V=0.87, R−V=0.66 /0.48 , D-type
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
Kiviuq is a prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. It was discovered by J. J. Kavelaars et al. in 2000, and given the temporary designation S/2000 S 5. It was named after Kiviuq, a hero of Inuit mythology.
Kiviuq is about 17 km in diameter, and orbits Saturn at an average distance of 11.3 million kilometers in 449 days. It is a member of the Inuit group of irregular satellites. It is light red, and the Kiviupian (Kiviuqan) infrared spectrum is very similar to the Inuit-group satellites Siarnaq and Paaliaq, supporting the thesis of a possible common origin of the Inuit group in the break-up of a larger body.