Iocaste

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2000 J 3

Moon
Iocaste Radius

Radius of Iocaste

The radius of Iocaste is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Iocaste radius measures approximately 2.6 km, making it 2450.38× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Iocaste to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Iocaste 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.

Iocaste Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Iocaste

The Iocaste semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Iocaste semi-major axis measures 0.14 AU (approximately 2.13e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Iocaste. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Iocaste's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Iocaste semi-major axis 0.14 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.

Iocaste Mass

Mass of Iocaste in kg

The Iocaste mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Iocaste in kg is approximately 1.90e+14 kg, which is 31431578947.37× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Iocaste Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Iocaste?

The Iocaste orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Iocaste orbital period is 0.18 hours, which is 49973.32× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Iocaste's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Iocaste 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 Iocaste from Earth?

Distance Between Iocaste and Earth

How far is Iocaste from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Iocaste and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Iocaste is approximately 1.28e+8 km(0.858 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 Iocaste 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 Iocaste.

The distance between Iocaste and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Iocaste 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
2.6km
Equatorial Radius
2.6km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.90e+14 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
2.13e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.216
Inclination
149.4°
Sidereal Orbit
0.18 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Iocaste

Iocaste is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Iocaste radius of 2.6 km, making it 2450.4× 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 2.13e+7 km (0.142 AU) from the Sun, Iocaste occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Iocaste demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Iocaste physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Iocaste radius measures 2.6 km, making it 2450.4× smaller than Earth's size. The Iocaste mass of 1.90e+14 kg represents 31431578947.4× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Iocaste orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Iocaste orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.13e+7 km (0.142 AU), placing it 7.0× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Iocaste orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.216 (12.9× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Iocaste orbit takes 0.18 hours to complete (49973.3× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 149.4° indicates how much the Iocaste orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Iocaste may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Iocaste compared to Earth?

Iocaste has a radius of 2.6 km, making it 2450.4× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Iocaste 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 Iocaste from the Sun?

Iocaste orbits at an average distance of 2.13e+7 km (0.142 AU) from the Sun, placing it 7.0× 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 Iocaste?

A year on Iocaste lasts 0.18 hours (49973.3× 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 Iocaste made of?

Iocaste 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 Iocaste have seasons?

Iocaste 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
Scott S. Sheppard, David C. Jewitt
Discovery Date
23/11/2000
Raw Data