Hiʻiaka

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2005 (2003 EL61) 2

Moon
Hiʻiaka Radius

Radius of Hiʻiaka

The radius of Hiʻiaka is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Hiʻiaka radius measures approximately 160 km, making it 39.82× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Hiʻiaka to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Hiʻiaka 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.

Hiʻiaka Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Hiʻiaka

The Hiʻiaka semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Hiʻiaka semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 49,880 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Hiʻiaka. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Hiʻiaka's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Hiʻiaka 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.

Hiʻiaka Mass

Mass of Hiʻiaka in kg

The Hiʻiaka mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Hiʻiaka in kg is approximately 1.78e+19 kg, which is 335505.62× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Hiʻiaka Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Hiʻiaka?

The Hiʻiaka orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Hiʻiaka orbital period is 0.01 hours, which is 642470.47× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Hiʻiaka's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Hiʻiaka 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 Hiʻiaka from Earth?

Distance Between Hiʻiaka and Earth

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

The distance between Hiʻiaka and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Hiʻiaka 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
160km
Equatorial Radius
155km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.78e+19 kg
Volume
0.00e+0 km³
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
49,880km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.051
Inclination
126.35°
Sidereal Orbit
0.01 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Hiʻiaka

Hiʻiaka is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Hiʻiaka radius of 160 km, making it 39.8× 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 49,880 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Hiʻiaka occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Hiʻiaka demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Hiʻiaka physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Hiʻiaka radius measures 160 km, making it 39.8× smaller than Earth's size. The Hiʻiaka mass of 1.78e+19 kg represents 335505.6× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Hiʻiaka orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Hiʻiaka orbit has a semimajor axis of 49,880 km (0.000 AU), placing it 2999.2× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Hiʻiaka orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.051 (3.1× Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Hiʻiaka orbit takes 0.01 hours to complete (642470.5× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 126.35° indicates how much the Hiʻiaka orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Hiʻiaka may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Hiʻiaka compared to Earth?

Hiʻiaka has a radius of 160 km, making it 39.8× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Hiʻiaka 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 Hiʻiaka from the Sun?

Hiʻiaka orbits at an average distance of 49,880 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2999.2× 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 Hiʻiaka?

A year on Hiʻiaka lasts 0.01 hours (642470.5× 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 Hiʻiaka made of?

Hiʻiaka 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 Hiʻiaka have seasons?

Hiʻiaka 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
Michael E. Brown
Discovery Date
26/01/2005
Raw Data