Francisco

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2001 U 3

Moon
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
11km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
7.20e+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
4.28e+6km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.132
Inclination
147.25°
Sidereal Orbit
-0.07 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Francisco

Francisco is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Francisco radius of 11 km, making it 579.2× 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 4.28e+6 km (0.029 AU) from the Sun, Francisco occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Francisco demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Francisco physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Francisco radius measures 11 km, making it 579.2× smaller than Earth's size. The Francisco mass of 7.20e+15 kg represents 829444444.4× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Francisco orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Francisco orbit has a semimajor axis of 4.28e+6 km (0.029 AU), placing it 35.0× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Francisco orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.132 (7.9× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Francisco orbit takes -0.07 hours to complete (-118372.7× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 147.25° indicates how much the Francisco orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Francisco may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Francisco compared to Earth?

Francisco has a radius of 11 km, making it 579.2× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Francisco 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 Francisco from the Sun?

Francisco orbits at an average distance of 4.28e+6 km (0.029 AU) from the Sun, placing it 35.0× 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 Francisco?

A year on Francisco lasts -0.07 hours (-118372.7× 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 Francisco made of?

Francisco 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 Francisco have seasons?

Francisco 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