1 Ceres

Alternative name: Also known as: A899 OF - 1943 XB

Asteroid
1 Ceres Radius

Radius of 1 Ceres

The radius of 1 Ceres is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The 1 Ceres radius measures approximately 476.2 km, making it 13.38× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of 1 Ceres to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the 1 Ceres 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.

1 Ceres Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of 1 Ceres

The 1 Ceres semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The 1 Ceres semi-major axis measures 2.77 AU (approximately 4.14e+8 km), which represents the average orbital radius of 1 Ceres. This measurement is fundamental to understanding 1 Ceres's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

The orbital radius of 1 Ceres determines how much solar radiation the planet receives, which directly influences its temperature, climate, and overall environmental conditions. This distance places 1 Ceres in a specific region of the Solar System, each with unique characteristics and scientific significance.

When we examine the 1 Ceres semi-major axis 2.77 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.

1 Ceres Mass

Mass of 1 Ceres in kg

The 1 Ceres mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of 1 Ceres in kg is approximately 9.39e+20 kg, which is 6357.93× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

Understanding the 1 Ceres 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 1 Ceres interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

The precise measurement of the mass of 1 Ceres 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 understand1 Ceres's formation history and its place in the evolution of our Solar System.

1 Ceres Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on 1 Ceres?

The 1 Ceres orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The 1 Ceres orbital period is 0.47 hours, which is 18766.40× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of 1 Ceres's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

The 1 Ceres 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 1 Ceres takes the time it does to complete one full orbit.

Understanding the 1 Ceres 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 1 Ceres from Earth?

Distance Between 1 Ceres and Earth

How far is 1 Ceres from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between 1 Ceres and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, 1 Ceres is approximately 2.64e+8 km(1.767 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 1 Ceres 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 1 Ceres.

The distance between 1 Ceres and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When 1 Ceres 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
476.2km
Equatorial Radius
487km
Polar Radius
455km
Mass
9.39e+20 kg
Volume
4.21e+9 km³
Density
2.161g/cm³
Gravity
0.28m/s²
Escape Velocity
510m/s
Flattening
0.962
Average Temperature
168.0 K (-105.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
3°
Semimajor Axis
4.14e+8km
Perihelion
3.83e+8km
Aphelion
4.45e+8km
Eccentricity
0.076
Inclination
10.593°
Sidereal Orbit
0.47 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0.00 hours
Mean Anomaly
77.372°
Argument of Periapsis
73.598°
Longitude of Ascending Node
80.306°

Overview of 1 Ceres

1 Ceres is a fascinating asteroid in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 1 Ceres radius of 476.2 km, making it 13.4× 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 4.14e+8 km (2.767 AU) from the Sun, 1 Ceres occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As an asteroid, 1 Ceres represents the remnants of the early Solar System, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our cosmic neighborhood.

Physical Characteristics

The 1 Ceres physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 1 Ceres radius measures 476.2 km, making it 13.4× smaller than Earth's size. The equatorial radius of 487 km and polar radius of 455 km create a slight flattening of 6.57%, indicating the planet's rotation affects its shape. The 1 Ceres mass of 9.39e+20 kg represents 6357.9× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 4.21e+9 km³, 1 Ceres occupies significant space in the Solar System. The 1 Ceres density of 2.161 g/cm³ (2.5× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.28 m/s² (35.0× smaller than Earth's gravity) determines how objects behave on its surface. The moderate density suggests a mixed composition of rocky and icy materials.

Orbital Properties

The 1 Ceres orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 1 Ceres orbit has a semimajor axis of 4.14e+8 km (2.767 AU), placing it 2.8× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 1 Ceres comes within 3.83e+8 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 4.45e+8 km, creating a 15.2% variation in solar distance. The 1 Ceres orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.076 (4.5× Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The 1 Ceres orbit takes 0.47 hours to complete (18766.4× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 10.593° indicates how much the 1 Ceres 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 1 Ceres rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 1 Ceres rotation period of 0.00 hours (9499.9× 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 1 Ceres axial tilt of 3° (7.8× smaller than Earth's axial tilt) determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 1 Ceres experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 1 Ceres's position in space. The mean anomaly of 77.372° indicates the planet's current position in its orbit relative to its perihelion. The argument of periapsis of 73.598° shows how the orbit's orientation changes over time due to gravitational perturbations. The longitude of ascending node of 80.306° defines the reference point where the orbit crosses the ecliptic plane.

Temperature and Atmosphere

The 1 Ceres temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 1 Ceres average temperature of 168.0 K (-105.1 °C) (-157.3°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 1 Ceres 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), 1 Ceres presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being farther from the Sun than Earth, 1 Ceres receives less solar radiation, resulting in cooler conditions.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The 1 Ceres escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 1 Ceres escape velocity of 510 m/s (21.9× smaller than Earth's escape velocity) 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 1 Ceres to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 1 Ceres flattening of 96.1900% indicates how much the planet's rotation affects its shape. This significant flattening indicates rapid rotation that has substantially deformed the planet's shape, creating a pronounced equatorial bulge. The equatorial radius of 487 km compared to the polar radius of 455 km demonstrates this rotational deformation.

FAQs About 1 Ceres

What is the gravity on 1 Ceres?

The gravity on 1 Ceres is 0.28 m/s² (35.0× 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 2.0 kg on 1 Ceres.

How big is 1 Ceres compared to Earth?

1 Ceres has a radius of 476.2 km, making it 13.4× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 1 Ceres is 0.0× the size of Earth. This size difference significantly impacts the planet's gravity, atmospheric retention, geological processes, and overall planetary characteristics.

What is the average temperature of 1 Ceres?

The average temperature of 1 Ceres is 168.0 K (-105.1 °C) (-157.3°F). This temperature is influenced by factors such as distance from the Sun, atmospheric composition, albedo (reflectivity), and orbital eccentricity. The sub-zero temperatures mean water would exist primarily as ice.

How far is 1 Ceres from the Sun?

1 Ceres orbits at an average distance of 4.14e+8 km (2.767 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2.8× 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 1 Ceres?

A year on 1 Ceres lasts 0.47 hours (18766.4× 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 the escape velocity of 1 Ceres?

The escape velocity of 1 Ceres is 510 m/s (21.9× smaller than Earth's escape velocity). This is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from the planet's gravitational pull and enter space. The low escape velocity makes it difficult for the planet to retain an atmosphere.

What is 1 Ceres made of?

1 Ceres has a density of 2.161 g/cm³ (2.5× smaller than Earth's density). This density provides important clues about the planet's internal composition. The moderate density suggests a mixed composition of rocky and icy materials.

Does 1 Ceres have seasons?

1 Ceres has an axial tilt of (7.8× smaller than Earth's axial tilt). With minimal axial tilt, the planet experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year.
Discovery Information
Discovered By
Giuseppe Piazzi
Discovery Date
01/01/1801
Raw Data