Hati (moon)

Hati is a retrograde irregular satellite of Saturn. It was discovered by Scott S. Sheppard, David C. Jewitt, Jan Kleyna, and Brian G. Marsden on May 4, 2006, using observations taken between January 5 and April 30, 2006, and given the temporary designation S/2006 S 16.

In April 2007, it was officially named after Hati, a giant wolf from Norse mythology who chases the Moon (Máni) across the sky. Hati is predicted to eventually catch Máni, just as Sköll, his brother, will catch the Sun (Sól).

Hati is estimated to be about 6 kilometers in diameter, and it orbits Saturn at an average distance of 19.6 million kilometers in 1026 days. It is a member of the Norse group of irregular satellites. Its orbit is characterized by its retrograde motion, high eccentricity, and high inclination to Saturn's orbital plane.

Due to its irregular orbit and relatively small size, not much is known about Hati's physical properties. Its surface is likely dark and heavily cratered, similar to other irregular satellites in the Saturnian system. Its composition is presumed to be primarily rock and ice.