In astronomy, what is Pandora in the Saturn system?

In astronomy, Pandora is a moon of Saturn.

Pandora is a small inner satellite of Saturn that helps shape the planet’s narrow F ring. It is classified as a shepherd satellite because its gravity influences material in the ring, working with the moon Prometheus to confine and structure the ring’s particles.

Voyager 1 images led to Pandora’s discovery in 1980. The moon was later studied in more detail by the Cassini spacecraft, which observed Saturn’s rings and satellites during its long mission.

Pandora’s name comes from Greek mythology, as does the name Prometheus. The pairing is especially appropriate because the two moons have related dynamical roles around the F ring. Pandora should not be confused with asteroid 55 Pandora, which orbits the Sun in the main asteroid belt.