5 Astraea

Alternative name: Also known as: 1969 SE

Asteroid
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
59.5km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.20e+18 kg
Volume
Density
1g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
3.85e+8km
Perihelion
3.11e+8km
Aphelion
4.59e+8km
Eccentricity
0.193
Inclination
5.37°
Sidereal Orbit
0.42 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of 5 Astraea

5 Astraea is a fascinating asteroid in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 5 Astraea radius of 59.5 km, making it 107.1× smaller than Earth's size, this celestial body presents unique characteristics that distinguish it from other objects in our cosmic neighborhood. Positioned at an average distance of 3.85e+8 km (2.573 AU) from the Sun, 5 Astraea occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As an asteroid, 5 Astraea represents the remnants of the early Solar System, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our cosmic neighborhood.

Physical Characteristics

The 5 Astraea physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 5 Astraea radius measures 59.5 km, making it 107.1× smaller than Earth's size. The 5 Astraea mass of 1.20e+18 kg represents 4976666.7× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The 5 Astraea orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 5 Astraea orbit has a semimajor axis of 3.85e+8 km (2.573 AU), placing it 2.6× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 5 Astraea comes within 3.11e+8 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 4.59e+8 km, creating a 38.6% variation in solar distance. The 5 Astraea orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.193 (11.6× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The 5 Astraea orbit takes 0.42 hours to complete (20937.2× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 5.37° indicates how much the 5 Astraea orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This moderate inclination indicates a typical orbital evolution for objects in this region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

The 5 Astraea rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 5 Astraea axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 5 Astraea experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 5 Astraea's position in space. The mean anomaly of indicates the planet's current position in its orbit relative to its perihelion. The argument of periapsis of shows how the orbit's orientation changes over time due to gravitational perturbations. The longitude of ascending node of defines the reference point where the orbit crosses the ecliptic plane.

Temperature and Atmosphere

The 5 Astraea temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 5 Astraea average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 5 Astraea inhospitable to life as we know it, with any atmosphere likely frozen solid on the surface. Compared to Earth's average temperature of 15°C (59°F), 5 Astraea presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being farther from the Sun than Earth, 5 Astraea receives less solar radiation, resulting in cooler conditions. The elliptical orbit creates significant temperature variations throughout the year, with extreme seasonal changes.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The 5 Astraea escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 5 Astraea escape velocity of 0 m/s determines how easily objects can break free from its gravitational pull. This relatively low escape velocity means that gases and light molecules can easily escape into space, making it difficult for 5 Astraea to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 5 Astraea flattening of 0.0000% indicates how much the planet's rotation affects its shape. This minimal flattening suggests a nearly spherical shape, indicating either slow rotation or a very rigid internal structure.

FAQs About 5 Astraea

How big is 5 Astraea compared to Earth?

5 Astraea has a radius of 59.5 km, making it 107.1× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 5 Astraea is 0.0× the size of Earth. This size difference significantly impacts the planet's gravity, atmospheric retention, geological processes, and overall planetary characteristics.

How far is 5 Astraea from the Sun?

5 Astraea orbits at an average distance of 3.85e+8 km (2.573 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2.6× Earth's distance from the Sun. This distance determines the amount of solar radiation the planet receives and significantly influences its temperature and climate.

How long is a year on 5 Astraea?

A year on 5 Astraea lasts 0.42 hours (20937.2× smaller than Earth's orbital period). This orbital period defines the length of the planet's year and affects seasonal patterns, temperature variations, and the overall climate cycle.

What is 5 Astraea made of?

5 Astraea has a density of 1 g/cm³ (5.5× smaller than Earth's density). This density provides important clues about the planet's internal composition. The low density indicates a composition dominated by lighter elements, characteristic of gas giants or icy bodies.

Does 5 Astraea have seasons?

5 Astraea has an axial tilt of . With minimal axial tilt, the planet experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year.
Discovery Information
Discovered By
Karl Ludwig Hencke
Discovery Date
08/12/1845
Raw Data