Desdemona
Alternative name: Also known as: S/1986 U 6
Table of Contents
Physical Properties
- Mean Radius
- 35km
- Equatorial Radius
- 0km
- Polar Radius
- 0km
- Mass
- 1.80e+17 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
- 62,700km
- Perihelion
- 0km
- Aphelion
- 0km
- Eccentricity
- 0
- Inclination
- 0.11°
- Sidereal Orbit
- 0.00 hours
- Sidereal Rotation
- 0 seconds
- Mean Anomaly
- 0°
- Argument of Periapsis
- 0°
- Longitude of Ascending Node
- 0°
Overview of Desdemona
Desdemona is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Desdemona radius of 35 km, making it 182.0× 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 62,700 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Desdemona occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Desdemona demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.
Physical Characteristics
The Desdemona physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Desdemona radius measures 35 km, making it 182.0× smaller than Earth's size. The Desdemona mass of 1.80e+17 kg represents 33177777.8× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.
Orbital Properties
The Desdemona orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Desdemona orbit has a semimajor axis of 62,700 km (0.000 AU), placing it 2385.9× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Desdemona orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0 (167.0× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Desdemona orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (66627572.0× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.11° indicates how much the Desdemona orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Desdemona follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.
Rotation and Tilt
The Desdemona rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Desdemona axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Desdemona experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Desdemona's position in space. The mean anomaly of 0° indicates the planet's current position in its orbit relative to its perihelion. The argument of periapsis of 0° shows how the orbit's orientation changes over time due to gravitational perturbations. The longitude of ascending node of 0° defines the reference point where the orbit crosses the ecliptic plane.
Temperature and Atmosphere
The Desdemona temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Desdemona average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Desdemona 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), Desdemona presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Desdemona receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.
Escape Velocity & Flattening
The Desdemona escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The Desdemona 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 Desdemona to retain a substantial atmosphere. The Desdemona 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 Desdemona
How big is Desdemona compared to Earth?
Desdemona has a radius of 35 km, making it 182.0× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Desdemona 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 Desdemona from the Sun?
Desdemona orbits at an average distance of 62,700 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2385.9× 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 Desdemona?
A year on Desdemona lasts 0.00 hours (66627572.0× 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 Desdemona made of?
Desdemona 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 Desdemona have seasons?
Desdemona has an axial tilt of 0°. With minimal axial tilt, the planet experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year.
Discovery Information
- Discovered By
- Stephen P. Synnott
- Discovery Date
- 13/01/1986
Raw Data