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WHAT TO SEE
Mimas is composed mostly of water ice, interspersed with only small quantities of rock.
Herschel Crater
By far the most distinctive feature on Mimas is the giant Hershel crater. At nearly 130km across, with a floor 10km deep and walls 5km high, the crater is nearly a third the size of Mimas itself. The central peak is nearly as high as Mount Everest on Earth.
From a distance, the satellite resembles the Death Star from the Star Wars films.
The huge asteroid impact that caused the crater must have nearly destroyed Mimas entirely. Fracture marks can even be seen on the opposite side of the moon.
 Explore asteroids further
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TRAVEL INFORMATION
Before you leave
The surface of Mimas is pitted with craters, so finding a smooth landing site might be tricky.
LOCAL HISTORY
In Greek mythology, Mimas was a Titan who was slain by the god Hercules.
Discovery
Mimas was discovered by Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel in 1789.
SPOTTING MIMAS FROM THE EARTH
Mimas is not visible from the Earth with the naked eye, but can be seen with a telescope.
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