Astronomers call for help identifying mystery object that may have just crashed into Saturn
An object has hit Saturn - astronomers need help finding out what it is
- Astronomers are investigating a potential impact on Saturn, observed by amateur astronomer Mario Rana, which could be the first recorded instance of a space object hitting the gas giant.
- The unconfirmed event reportedly occurred on 5 July 2025, between 9am and 9.15am UT, appearing as a faint glow in video footage captured by Rana.
- Unlike rocky planets, gas giants such as Saturn do not retain impact craters, and previous smaller strikes have not been directly observed.
- The Planetary Virtual Observatory and Laboratory (PVOL) and Professor Leigh N Fletcher are urging other amateur astronomers to share any videos from the specified timeframe to help confirm or refute the impact.
- Studies suggest large objects strike Saturn approximately once every 3,125 years, while smaller space rocks hit more frequently but have never been witnessed.