Discovered 1868 Oct. 10 by J. C. Watson at Ann Arbor.

Named for the mother of Aphrodite by Zeus {see planets (1388) and (5731)}. When Aphrodite was wounded by Diomedes {see planet (1437)}, Dione comforted her daughter. Dione foretold the death of Diomedes for daring to wage war against the immortals. Aphrodite is sometimes called Dione. (Z 87)

The name Dione has also been given to the fourth satellite of Saturn, discovered 1684 by J. D. Cassini.