Hydra

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2005 P1

Moon
Dimensions:50.9 x 36.1 x 30.9
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
36km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
4.80e+16 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
64,738km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.005
Inclination
0.242°
Sidereal Orbit
0.01 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Hydra

Hydra is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Hydra radius of 36 km, making it 177.0× 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 64,738 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Hydra occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Hydra demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Hydra physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Hydra radius measures 36 km, making it 177.0× smaller than Earth's size. The Hydra mass of 4.80e+16 kg represents 124416666.7× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Hydra orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Hydra orbit has a semimajor axis of 64,738 km (0.000 AU), placing it 2310.8× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Hydra orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.005 (3.3× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Hydra orbit takes 0.01 hours to complete (826129.6× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.242° indicates how much the Hydra orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Hydra follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Hydra compared to Earth?

Hydra has a radius of 36 km, making it 177.0× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Hydra 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 Hydra from the Sun?

Hydra orbits at an average distance of 64,738 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2310.8× 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 Hydra?

A year on Hydra lasts 0.01 hours (826129.6× 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 Hydra made of?

Hydra 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 Hydra have seasons?

Hydra 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
Hubble Space Telescope Pluto Companion Search Team
Discovery Date
15/05/2005
Raw Data
Orbits AroundParent Body