Discovery [1] | |
---|---|
Discovered by | B. J. Gladman et al. |
Discovered | in 2000 |
Mean orbital elements [2] | |
Epoch 2000 Feb. 26.00 | |
Semi-major axis | 11.111 Gm |
Eccentricity | 0.3288 |
Inclination | 45.71° * |
Orbital period | 449.22 d (1.23 yr) |
Physical characteristics | |
Mean diameter | 16 km[3] ** |
Albedo | 0.04 [3] assumed |
Color | light red B-V=0.87 R-V=0.66[4]/0.48[5] |
Spectral type | D [5] |
|
Kiviuq (pronounced /ˈkiːvi.oʊk/ (deprecated template) KEE-vee-ohk or /ˈkɪvi.ʊk/ KIV-ee-ook) is a prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. It was discovered by Brett J. Gladman in 2000, and given the temporary designation S/2000 S 5.[6][7]
It was named in 2003 after a "giant" of Inuit mythology.[8] Kiviuq (also spelled Keeveeok, Qiviuq or Kivioq) is a legendary and heroic Inuk, a sort of Inuit Odysseus. He has lived very long (or has had several lives), has wandered and journeyed, living all sorts of adventures whose details depend on the story-teller's local tradition.
Kiviuq is about 16 kilometres in diameter, and orbits Saturn at an average distance of 11.1 million kilometers in 450 days. It is a member of the Inuit group of irregular satellites.
Kiviuq displays light-red colours and the infrared spectrum very similar to Siarnaq and Paaliaq, further supporting the thesis of a possible common origin of the Inuit group in the break-up of a larger body[5][9].
Kiviuq is believed to be in Kozai resonance i.e. cyclically reducing the orbital inclination while increasing the eccentricity and vice versa.[10]