In August 1898, astronomer William Henry Pickering took groundbreaking photographs that led to the discovery of Phoebe, one of Saturn's moons. Operating from the Arequipa Observatory in Peru, Pickering utilized photographic techniques that were still relatively novel in astronomy. These photographs allowed him to capture details of celestial bodies in ways that mere human observation could not achieve. Thus, Phoebe became the first moon of another planet discovered using photographic evidence, an advancement that had profound implications for the field of astronomy.

Phoebe, named after a Titan goddess in Greek mythology, presented several unique characteristics upon its discovery. Unlike many other moons of Saturn, Phoebe orbits at a significant distance from the planet, suggesting that it might not have formed in situ but could be a captured object from the Kuiper Belt. Its irregular orbit and composition intrigued astronomers and sparked discussions regarding the processes of orbital mechanics and planetary formation.

The discovery exemplifies the intersection of technology and observation in the late 19th century, illustrating a pivotal moment when photography was increasingly integrated into scientific inquiry. Pickering's work challenged existing paradigms of celestial observation, paving the way for future exploratory missions and the technological advancements that define contemporary astronomy.