Callisto

Moon
Callisto Radius

Radius of Callisto

The radius of Callisto is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Callisto radius measures approximately 2,410.3 km, making it 2.64× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Callisto to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Callisto radius is essential for calculating other important properties such as surface area, volume, and gravitational characteristics. The radius directly influences how we perceive and study this fascinating object in our Solar System.

Callisto Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Callisto

The Callisto semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Callisto semi-major axis measures 0.01 AU (approximately 1.88e+6 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Callisto. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Callisto's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

The orbital radius of Callisto determines how much solar radiation the planet receives, which directly influences its temperature, climate, and overall environmental conditions. This distance places Callisto in a specific region of the Solar System, each with unique characteristics and scientific significance.

When we examine the Callisto semi-major axis 0.01 AU, we gain insights into the planet's orbital mechanics, including its orbital period, velocity, and the gravitational forces at play. This parameter is essential for space mission planning and understanding the dynamics of our Solar System.

Callisto Mass

Mass of Callisto in kg

The Callisto mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Callisto in kg is approximately 1.08e+23 kg, which is 55.51× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

Understanding the Callisto mass allows scientists to calculate other critical properties such as surface gravity, escape velocity, and the planet's ability to retain an atmosphere. The mass also plays a crucial role in determining how Callisto interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

The precise measurement of the mass of Callisto in kg is essential for space exploration missions, as it affects spacecraft trajectories, landing procedures, and the design of scientific instruments. This fundamental property helps us understandCallisto's formation history and its place in the evolution of our Solar System.

Callisto Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Callisto?

The Callisto orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Callisto orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 1890952.82× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Callisto's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

The Callisto orbital period is directly related to its distance from the Sun, following Kepler's laws of planetary motion. Planets farther from the Sun have longer orbital periods, while those closer complete their orbits more quickly. This relationship helps explain why Callisto takes the time it does to complete one full orbit.

Understanding the Callisto orbital period is crucial for space mission planning, as it affects launch windows, travel times, and the timing of scientific observations. This fundamental orbital parameter also provides insights into the planet's formation history and its current position in the Solar System's dynamic structure.

How Far is Callisto from Earth?

Distance Between Callisto and Earth

How far is Callisto from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Callisto and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Callisto is approximately 1.48e+8 km(0.987 AU) away from Earth. This distance changes as both planets orbit the Sun, with the closest approach (opposition) and farthest separation (conjunction) creating significant variations.

The question "How far is Callisto from Earth?" has practical implications for space exploration. This distance determines travel time for spacecraft, communication delays for mission control, and the amount of fuel required for interplanetary missions. Understanding this distance is essential for planning future missions to Callisto.

The distance between Callisto and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Callisto and Earth are on the same side of the Sun (opposition), they are at their closest, making this the optimal time for observations and potential missions. Conversely, when they are on opposite sides of the Sun (conjunction), they are at their farthest separation, which can exceed the average distance significantly.

Physical Properties
Mean Radius
2,410.3km
Equatorial Radius
2,410.3km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.08e+23 kg
Volume
5.87e+10 km³
Density
1.834g/cm³
Gravity
1.235m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
1.88e+6km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.007
Inclination
0.192°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0.11 hours
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Callisto

Callisto is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Callisto radius of 2,410.3 km, making it 2.6× 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 1.88e+6 km (0.013 AU) from the Sun, Callisto occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Callisto demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Callisto physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Callisto radius measures 2,410.3 km, making it 2.6× smaller than Earth's size. The Callisto mass of 1.08e+23 kg represents 55.5× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 5.87e+10 km³, Callisto occupies significant space in the Solar System. The Callisto density of 1.834 g/cm³ (3.0× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 1.235 m/s² (7.9× smaller than Earth's gravity) determines how objects behave on its surface. The low density indicates a composition dominated by lighter elements, characteristic of gas giants or icy bodies.

Orbital Properties

The Callisto orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Callisto orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.88e+6 km (0.013 AU), placing it 79.5× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Callisto orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.007 (2.4× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Callisto orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (1890952.8× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.192° indicates how much the Callisto orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Callisto follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

The Callisto rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Callisto rotation period of 0.11 hours (215.1× smaller than Earth's rotation period) determines the length of its day. This extremely fast rotation creates intense centrifugal forces and may contribute to the planet's flattened shape. The Callisto axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Callisto experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Callisto'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 Callisto temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Callisto average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Callisto 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), Callisto presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Callisto receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

What is the gravity on Callisto?

The gravity on Callisto is 1.235 m/s² (7.9× smaller than Earth's gravity). This gravitational force determines how objects behave on the surface, affects atmospheric retention, and influences the planet's ability to hold onto gases and particles. A person weighing 70 kg on Earth would weigh 8.8 kg on Callisto.

How big is Callisto compared to Earth?

Callisto has a radius of 2,410.3 km, making it 2.6× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Callisto is 0.1× the size of Earth. This size difference significantly impacts the planet's gravity, atmospheric retention, geological processes, and overall planetary characteristics.

How far is Callisto from the Sun?

Callisto orbits at an average distance of 1.88e+6 km (0.013 AU) from the Sun, placing it 79.5× 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 Callisto?

A year on Callisto lasts 0.00 hours (1890952.8× 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 Callisto made of?

Callisto has a density of 1.834 g/cm³ (3.0× 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 Callisto have seasons?

Callisto 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
Galileo Galilei
Discovery Date
07/01/1610
Raw Data