Ferdinand

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2001 U 2

Moon
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
10km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
5.40e+15 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
2.09e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.399
Inclination
169.79°
Sidereal Orbit
-0.78 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Ferdinand

Ferdinand is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Ferdinand radius of 10 km, making it 637.1× 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 2.09e+7 km (0.140 AU) from the Sun, Ferdinand occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Ferdinand demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Ferdinand physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Ferdinand radius measures 10 km, making it 637.1× smaller than Earth's size. The Ferdinand mass of 5.40e+15 kg represents 1105925925.9× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Ferdinand orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Ferdinand orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.09e+7 km (0.140 AU), placing it 7.2× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Ferdinand orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.399 (23.9× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Ferdinand orbit takes -0.78 hours to complete (-11177.4× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 169.79° indicates how much the Ferdinand orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Ferdinand may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Ferdinand compared to Earth?

Ferdinand has a radius of 10 km, making it 637.1× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Ferdinand 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 Ferdinand from the Sun?

Ferdinand orbits at an average distance of 2.09e+7 km (0.140 AU) from the Sun, placing it 7.2× 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 Ferdinand?

A year on Ferdinand lasts -0.78 hours (-11177.4× 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 Ferdinand made of?

Ferdinand 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 Ferdinand have seasons?

Ferdinand 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
Matthew J. Holman, John J. Kavelaars, Dan Milisavljevic, Brett J. Gladman
Discovery Date
13/08/2001
Raw Data
Orbits AroundParent Body