Scientists studying Diona, one of Saturn's natural satellites, noticed strange abrasions on its surface, possibly formed by a variety of falling objects, Space.com reported.
The new study is based on data collected by the Cassini spacecraft, which completed its mission last fall. The last photographs taken by him reveal long, narrow and bright strikes on Diona's surface. They remind us of those we find in Rhea, Saturn's second largest companion.
Diona, however, is parallel and relatively young. They are also found mainly in the midst of the satellite. "Their orientation, which is parallel to the equator, and their linearity, is something we have not met before in the solar system," said geologist Alex Pathoff.
It is for this reason that he and his colleagues are trying to find out whether the sharps are due to geological activity or some external phenomenon.
What are the possible explanations?
huge rocks are rolling over the surface, leaving traces behind.
the surface is split and the parts are rubbed into one another (like the tectonic plates on Earth).
the splinters have been formed as a result of various space debris falling on Dione.
Astronomers, however, believe that the most accurate explanation is precisely the last. Sharps have been formed from various remnants falling from the rings of Saturn, nearby companions or comets passing through the area.
If scientists are able to study these Diona scars in more detail, they will be able to find out if there is any way to have Dione (or other worlds like this).
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