Helene

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1980 S 6

Moon
Dimensions:43.4 x 38.2 x 26
Helene Radius

Radius of Helene

The radius of Helene is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Helene radius measures approximately 17.6 km, making it 361.99× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Helene to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Helene 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.

Helene Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Helene

The Helene semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Helene semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 377,396 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Helene. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Helene's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Helene 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.

Helene Mass

Mass of Helene in kg

The Helene mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Helene in kg is approximately 1.10e+10 kg, which is 542909090909090.94× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

Understanding the Helene 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 Helene interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

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

Helene Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Helene?

The Helene orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Helene orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 11534411.37× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Helene's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Helene 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 Helene from Earth?

Distance Between Helene and Earth

How far is Helene from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Helene and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Helene is approximately 1.49e+8 km(0.997 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 Helene 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 Helene.

The distance between Helene and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Helene 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
17.6km
Equatorial Radius
17.6km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.10e+10 kg
Volume
2.28e+5 km³
Density
1.3g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
377,396km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.002
Inclination
0.199°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Helene

Helene is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Helene radius of 17.6 km, making it 362.0× 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 377,396 km (0.003 AU) from the Sun, Helene occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Helene demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Helene physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Helene radius measures 17.6 km, making it 362.0× smaller than Earth's size. The Helene mass of 1.10e+10 kg represents 542909090909090.9× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 2.28e+5 km³, Helene occupies significant space in the Solar System.

Orbital Properties

The Helene orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Helene orbit has a semimajor axis of 377,396 km (0.003 AU), placing it 396.4× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Helene orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.002 (7.6× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Helene orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (11534411.4× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.199° indicates how much the Helene orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Helene follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Helene compared to Earth?

Helene has a radius of 17.6 km, making it 362.0× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Helene 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 Helene from the Sun?

Helene orbits at an average distance of 377,396 km (0.003 AU) from the Sun, placing it 396.4× 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 Helene?

A year on Helene lasts 0.00 hours (11534411.4× 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 Helene made of?

Helene 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 Helene have seasons?

Helene 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
Pierre Laques, Raymond Despiau, Jean Lecacheux
Discovery Date
01/03/1980
Raw Data