Bestla

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2004 S 18

Moon
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
3km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.30e+14 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
2.01e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.521
Inclination
145.2°
Sidereal Orbit
0.30 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Bestla

Bestla is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Bestla radius of 3 km, making it 2123.7× 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 2.01e+7 km (0.135 AU) from the Sun, Bestla occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Bestla demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Bestla physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Bestla radius measures 3 km, making it 2123.7× smaller than Earth's size. The Bestla mass of 2.30e+14 kg represents 25965217391.3× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Bestla orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Bestla orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.01e+7 km (0.135 AU), placing it 7.4× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Bestla orbit is highly elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.521 (31.2× Earth's orbital eccentricity), leading to extreme variations in temperature and solar exposure. The Bestla orbit takes 0.30 hours to complete (29123.4× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 145.2° indicates how much the Bestla orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Bestla may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

The Bestla rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Bestla axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Bestla experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Bestla'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 Bestla temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Bestla average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Bestla 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), Bestla presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Bestla receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile. The elliptical orbit creates significant temperature variations throughout the year, with extreme seasonal changes.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Bestla compared to Earth?

Bestla has a radius of 3 km, making it 2123.7× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Bestla 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 Bestla from the Sun?

Bestla orbits at an average distance of 2.01e+7 km (0.135 AU) from the Sun, placing it 7.4× smaller than 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 Bestla?

A year on Bestla lasts 0.30 hours (29123.4× 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 Bestla made of?

Bestla 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 Bestla have seasons?

Bestla 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
Scott S. Sheppard, David C. Jewitt, Jan Kleyna, Brian G. Marsden
Discovery Date
13/12/2004
Raw Data
Orbits AroundParent Body