Tarvos (moon)

Tarvos
Animation of discovery images taken by the CFHT in September 2000
Discovery
Discovered byB. J. Gladman et al.
Discovery dateSeptember 23, 2000
Designations
Designation
Saturn XXI
Pronunciation/ˈtɑːrvɒs/
Named after
Tarvos Trigaranus
S/2000 S 4
AdjectivesTarvian
Orbital characteristics
Epoch 2000 January 1.5
18.215 Gm
Eccentricity0.528
926.4 d
(2.54 yr)
Inclination38.6°
Satellite ofSaturn
GroupGallic group
Physical characteristics
15+50%
−30%
 km
Albedo0.06 assumed
Spectral type
light red
B−V=0.77, R−V=0.57
22.1
12.9

    Tarvos /ˈtɑːrvɒs/, or Saturn XXI, is a prograde irregular satellite of Saturn. It was discovered by John J. Kavelaars et al. on September 23, 2000, and given the temporary designation S/2000 S 4. The name, given in August 2003, is after Tarvos, a deity depicted as a bull god carrying three cranes alongside its back from Gaulish mythology.