50000 Quaoar

Alternative name: Also known as: 2002 LM60

Asteroid
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
675km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.00e+21 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
6.49e+9km
Perihelion
6.27e+9km
Aphelion
6.71e+9km
Eccentricity
0.034
Inclination
7.984°
Sidereal Orbit
1.21 days
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of 50000 Quaoar

50000 Quaoar is a fascinating asteroid in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 50000 Quaoar radius of 675 km, making it 9.4× 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 6.49e+9 km (43.377 AU) from the Sun, 50000 Quaoar occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As an asteroid, 50000 Quaoar represents the remnants of the early Solar System, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our cosmic neighborhood.

Physical Characteristics

The 50000 Quaoar physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 50000 Quaoar radius measures 675 km, making it 9.4× smaller than Earth's size. The 50000 Quaoar mass of 1.00e+21 kg represents 5972.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The 50000 Quaoar orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 50000 Quaoar orbit has a semimajor axis of 6.49e+9 km (43.377 AU), placing it 43.4× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 50000 Quaoar comes within 6.27e+9 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 6.71e+9 km, creating a 6.9% variation in solar distance. The 50000 Quaoar orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.034 (2.0× Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The 50000 Quaoar orbit takes 1.21 days to complete (302.4× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 7.984° indicates how much the 50000 Quaoar 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 50000 Quaoar rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 50000 Quaoar axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 50000 Quaoar experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 50000 Quaoar'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 50000 Quaoar temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 50000 Quaoar average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 50000 Quaoar 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), 50000 Quaoar presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being farther from the Sun than Earth, 50000 Quaoar receives less solar radiation, resulting in cooler conditions.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The 50000 Quaoar escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 50000 Quaoar 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 50000 Quaoar to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 50000 Quaoar 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 50000 Quaoar

How big is 50000 Quaoar compared to Earth?

50000 Quaoar has a radius of 675 km, making it 9.4× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 50000 Quaoar 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 50000 Quaoar from the Sun?

50000 Quaoar orbits at an average distance of 6.49e+9 km (43.377 AU) from the Sun, placing it 43.4× 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 50000 Quaoar?

A year on 50000 Quaoar lasts 1.21 days (302.4× 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 50000 Quaoar made of?

50000 Quaoar 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 50000 Quaoar have seasons?

50000 Quaoar 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
Chadwick Trujillo, Michael E. Brown
Discovery Date
04/06/2002
Raw Data
Moons1
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