Galatea

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1989 N 4

Moon
Dimensions:102 x 92 x 72
Galatea Radius

Radius of Galatea

The radius of Galatea is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Galatea radius measures approximately 88 km, making it 72.40× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Galatea to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Galatea 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.

Galatea Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Galatea

The Galatea semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Galatea semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 61,953 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Galatea. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Galatea's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Galatea 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.

Galatea Mass

Mass of Galatea in kg

The Galatea mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Galatea 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 Galatea 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 Galatea interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

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

Galatea Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Galatea?

The Galatea orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Galatea orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 73605013.41× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Galatea's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Galatea 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 Galatea from Earth?

Distance Between Galatea and Earth

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

The distance between Galatea and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Galatea 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
88km
Equatorial Radius
88km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.00e+18 kg
Volume
2.85e+6 km³
Density
1.3g/cm³
Gravity
0.03m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
61,953km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0
Inclination
0.05°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Galatea

Galatea is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Galatea radius of 88 km, making it 72.4× 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 61,953 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Galatea occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Galatea demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Galatea physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Galatea radius measures 88 km, making it 72.4× smaller than Earth's size. The Galatea mass of 2.00e+18 kg represents 2986000.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 2.85e+6 km³, Galatea occupies significant space in the Solar System. The Galatea density of 1.3 g/cm³ (4.2× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.03 m/s² (327.0× 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 Galatea orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Galatea orbit has a semimajor axis of 61,953 km (0.000 AU), placing it 2414.7× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Galatea 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 Galatea orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (73605013.4× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.05° indicates how much the Galatea orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Galatea follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

What is the gravity on Galatea?

The gravity on Galatea is 0.03 m/s² (327.0× 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 Galatea.

How big is Galatea compared to Earth?

Galatea has a radius of 88 km, making it 72.4× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Galatea 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 Galatea from the Sun?

Galatea orbits at an average distance of 61,953 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2414.7× 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 Galatea?

A year on Galatea lasts 0.00 hours (73605013.4× 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 Galatea made of?

Galatea 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 Galatea have seasons?

Galatea 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