Acestes (crater)
Map of Dione; Acestes is in the northwest | |
| Feature type | Impact crater |
|---|---|
| Location | Dione, Saturn |
| Coordinates | 55°10′N 243°22′W / 55.16°N 243.37°W[1] |
| Diameter | 108 km (67 mi) |
| Discoverer | Cassini–Huygens |
| Naming | 17 March 2008 |
| Eponym | Acestes, mythological king of Sicily; from the Aeneid by Virgil |
Acestes is an impact crater on Dione, a moon of Saturn. The crater was named after Acestes, the eponymous mythological king of Sicily. Like most other craters on Dione, Acestes was named after characters in the poem, Aeneid.[1][2][3] The name "Acestes" was officially approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) on 17 March 2008.[1]
Geology and characteristics
The crater is located at 55°10′N 243°22′W / 55.16°N 243.37°W and probably has a rim, peak, and circular depression[4][5] with a diameter of 108 kilometres (67 mi).
References
- ^ a b c "Acestes". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program. Retrieved 2 January 2026. (Center Latitude: 50.16°, Center Longitude: 243.37°; Planetographic, +West)
- ^ Virgil (2004). The Aeneid of Virgil : a verse translation. New York: Bantam Books. ISBN 978-0-553-21041-5 – via Internet Archive.
- ^ Virgil (1971). The Aeneid. Translated by Mandelbaum, Allen. New York: Bantam Books, Inc.
- ^ Cain, Fraser (7 October 2005). "Large Craters on Dione". Universe Today. Retrieved 2 December 2025.
- ^ "GeoHack - Cratere Acestes". geohack.toolforge.org.