Halimede

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2002 N 1

Moon
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
30km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.00e+17 kg
Volume
Density
1g/cm³
Gravity
0.01m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
1.57e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.571
Inclination
134.1°
Sidereal Orbit
0.52 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Halimede

Halimede is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Halimede radius of 30 km, making it 212.4× 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 1.57e+7 km (0.105 AU) from the Sun, Halimede occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Halimede demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Halimede physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Halimede radius measures 30 km, making it 212.4× smaller than Earth's size. The Halimede mass of 2.00e+17 kg represents 29860000.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. The Halimede density of 1 g/cm³ (5.5× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.01 m/s² (981.0× 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 Halimede orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Halimede orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.57e+7 km (0.105 AU), placing it 9.5× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Halimede orbit is highly elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.571 (34.2× Earth's orbital eccentricity), leading to extreme variations in temperature and solar exposure. The Halimede orbit takes 0.52 hours to complete (16788.9× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 134.1° indicates how much the Halimede orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Halimede may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

What is the gravity on Halimede?

The gravity on Halimede is 0.01 m/s² (981.0× 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 0.1 kg on Halimede.

How big is Halimede compared to Earth?

Halimede has a radius of 30 km, making it 212.4× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Halimede 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 Halimede from the Sun?

Halimede orbits at an average distance of 1.57e+7 km (0.105 AU) from the Sun, placing it 9.5× 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 Halimede?

A year on Halimede lasts 0.52 hours (16788.9× 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 Halimede made of?

Halimede 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 Halimede have seasons?

Halimede 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, Tommy Grav, Wesley C. Fraser, Dan Milisavljevic
Discovery Date
14/08/2002
Raw Data
Orbits AroundParent Body