Deimos

Moon
Dimensions:15.0 × 12 × 10.4
Deimos Radius

Radius of Deimos

The radius of Deimos is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Deimos radius measures approximately 6.2 km, making it 1027.58× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Deimos to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Deimos 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.

Deimos Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Deimos

The Deimos semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Deimos semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 23,459 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Deimos. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Deimos's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Deimos semi-major axis 0.00 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.

Deimos Mass

Mass of Deimos in kg

The Deimos mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Deimos in kg is approximately 1.48e+15 kg, which is 4045522286.95× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

Understanding the Deimos 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 Deimos interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

The precise measurement of the mass of Deimos 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 understandDeimos's formation history and its place in the evolution of our Solar System.

Deimos Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Deimos?

The Deimos orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Deimos orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 24997742.07× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Deimos's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Deimos 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 Deimos from Earth?

Distance Between Deimos and Earth

How far is Deimos from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Deimos and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Deimos is approximately 1.50e+8 km(1.000 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 Deimos 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 Deimos.

The distance between Deimos and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Deimos 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
6.2km
Equatorial Radius
7.8km
Polar Radius
5.1km
Mass
1.48e+15 kg
Volume
1.00e+4 km³
Density
1.471g/cm³
Gravity
0.003m/s²
Escape Velocity
5.556m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
23,459km
Perihelion
23,456km
Aphelion
23,471km
Eccentricity
0
Inclination
1.075°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0.01 hours
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Deimos

Deimos is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Deimos radius of 6.2 km, making it 1027.6× 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 23,459 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Deimos occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Deimos demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Deimos physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Deimos radius measures 6.2 km, making it 1027.6× smaller than Earth's size. The equatorial radius of 7.8 km and polar radius of 5.1 km create a slight flattening of 34.62%, indicating the planet's rotation affects its shape. The Deimos mass of 1.48e+15 kg represents 4045522287.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 1.00e+4 km³, Deimos occupies significant space in the Solar System. The Deimos density of 1.471 g/cm³ (3.7× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.003 m/s² (3270.0× 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 Deimos orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Deimos orbit has a semimajor axis of 23,459 km (0.000 AU), placing it 6377.0× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), Deimos comes within 23,456 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 23,471 km, creating a 0.1% variation in solar distance. The Deimos orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0 (83.5× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Deimos orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (24997742.1× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 1.075° indicates how much the Deimos orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Deimos follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

The Deimos rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Deimos rotation period of 0.01 hours (2843.8× 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 Deimos axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Deimos experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Deimos'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 Deimos temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Deimos average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Deimos 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), Deimos presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Deimos receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The Deimos escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The Deimos escape velocity of 5.556 m/s (2013.3× 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 Deimos to retain a substantial atmosphere. The Deimos flattening of 34.6154% 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 7.8 km compared to the polar radius of 5.1 km demonstrates this rotational deformation.

FAQs About Deimos

What is the gravity on Deimos?

The gravity on Deimos is 0.003 m/s² (3270.0× 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 0.0 kg on Deimos.

How big is Deimos compared to Earth?

Deimos has a radius of 6.2 km, making it 1027.6× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Deimos 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 Deimos from the Sun?

Deimos orbits at an average distance of 23,459 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 6377.0× 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 Deimos?

A year on Deimos lasts 0.00 hours (24997742.1× 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 Deimos?

The escape velocity of Deimos is 5.556 m/s (2013.3× 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 Deimos made of?

Deimos has a density of 1.471 g/cm³ (3.7× 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 Deimos have seasons?

Deimos 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
Asaph Hall
Discovery Date
12/08/1877
Raw Data