Despina

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1989 N 3

Moon
Dimensions:90 x 74 x 64
Despina Radius

Radius of Despina

The radius of Despina is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Despina radius measures approximately 75 km, making it 84.95× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Despina to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Despina 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.

Despina Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Despina

The Despina semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Despina semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 52,526 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Despina. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Despina's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Despina 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.

Despina Mass

Mass of Despina in kg

The Despina mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Despina in kg is approximately 2.00e+18 kg, which is 2986000.00× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Despina Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Despina?

The Despina orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Despina orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 94299137.93× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Despina's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Despina 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 Despina from Earth?

Distance Between Despina and Earth

How far is Despina from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Despina and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Despina 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 Despina 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 Despina.

The distance between Despina and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Despina 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
75km
Equatorial Radius
75km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.00e+18 kg
Volume
1.76e+6 km³
Density
1.3g/cm³
Gravity
0.023m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
52,526km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0
Inclination
0.07°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Despina

Despina is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Despina radius of 75 km, making it 84.9× 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 52,526 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Despina occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Despina demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Despina physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Despina radius measures 75 km, making it 84.9× smaller than Earth's size. The Despina mass of 2.00e+18 kg represents 2986000.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 1.76e+6 km³, Despina occupies significant space in the Solar System. The Despina density of 1.3 g/cm³ (4.2× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.023 m/s² (426.5× 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 Despina orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Despina orbit has a semimajor axis of 52,526 km (0.000 AU), placing it 2848.1× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Despina 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 Despina orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (94299137.9× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.07° indicates how much the Despina orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Despina follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

What is the gravity on Despina?

The gravity on Despina is 0.023 m/s² (426.5× 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 0.2 kg on Despina.

How big is Despina compared to Earth?

Despina has a radius of 75 km, making it 84.9× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Despina 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 Despina from the Sun?

Despina orbits at an average distance of 52,526 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2848.1× 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 Despina?

A year on Despina lasts 0.00 hours (94299137.9× 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 Despina made of?

Despina has a density of 1.3 g/cm³ (4.2× 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 Despina have seasons?

Despina 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
Stephen P. Synnott
Discovery Date
28/07/1989
Raw Data