Brightness and polarization opposition effects at low phase angles of the Saturnian satellites Tethys, Dione, and Rhea

► Brightness and polarization opposition effects of Saturn's icy moons are studied. ► The photometric phase curves reveal steep growth of intensity near opposition. ► Dione's and Rhea's surfaces exhibit stronger opposition surges in the blue band. ► The polarization was found to be negative descending steep at small phase angles.