Eirene
Alternative name: Also known as: S/2003 J 5
Table of Contents
Physical Properties
- Mean Radius
- 2km
- Equatorial Radius
- 0km
- Polar Radius
- 0km
- Mass
- 9.00e+13 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
- 2.37e+7km
- Perihelion
- 0km
- Aphelion
- 0km
- Eccentricity
- 0.22
- Inclination
- 163.1°
- Sidereal Orbit
- 0.21 hours
- Sidereal Rotation
- 0 seconds
- Mean Anomaly
- 0°
- Argument of Periapsis
- 0°
- Longitude of Ascending Node
- 0°
Overview of Eirene
Eirene is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Eirene radius of 2 km, making it 3185.5× 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 2.37e+7 km (0.159 AU) from the Sun, Eirene occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Eirene demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.
Physical Characteristics
The Eirene physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Eirene radius measures 2 km, making it 3185.5× smaller than Earth's size. The Eirene mass of 9.00e+13 kg represents 66355555555.6× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.
Orbital Properties
The Eirene orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Eirene orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.37e+7 km (0.159 AU), placing it 6.3× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Eirene orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.22 (13.2× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Eirene orbit takes 0.21 hours to complete (41540.3× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 163.1° indicates how much the Eirene orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Eirene may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.
Rotation and Tilt
The Eirene rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Eirene axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Eirene experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Eirene'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 Eirene temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Eirene average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Eirene 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), Eirene presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Eirene receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile. The elliptical orbit creates significant temperature variations throughout the year, with extreme seasonal changes.
Escape Velocity & Flattening
The Eirene escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The Eirene 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 Eirene to retain a substantial atmosphere. The Eirene 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 Eirene
How big is Eirene compared to Earth?
Eirene has a radius of 2 km, making it 3185.5× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Eirene 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 Eirene from the Sun?
Eirene orbits at an average distance of 2.37e+7 km (0.159 AU) from the Sun, placing it 6.3× 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 Eirene?
A year on Eirene lasts 0.21 hours (41540.3× 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 Eirene made of?
Eirene 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 Eirene have seasons?
Eirene 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
- Scott S. Sheppard, David C. Jewitt
- Discovery Date
- 2003
Raw Data