Kalyke

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2000 J 2

Moon
Kalyke Radius

Radius of Kalyke

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

Understanding the Kalyke 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.

Kalyke Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Kalyke

The Kalyke semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Kalyke semi-major axis measures 0.16 AU (approximately 2.36e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Kalyke. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Kalyke's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Kalyke semi-major axis 0.16 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.

Kalyke Mass

Mass of Kalyke in kg

The Kalyke mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Kalyke 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 Kalyke 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 Kalyke interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

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

Kalyke Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Kalyke?

The Kalyke orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Kalyke orbital period is 0.21 hours, which is 42473.96× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Kalyke's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Kalyke 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 Kalyke from Earth?

Distance Between Kalyke and Earth

How far is Kalyke from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Kalyke and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Kalyke is approximately 1.26e+8 km(0.842 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 Kalyke 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 Kalyke.

The distance between Kalyke and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Kalyke 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
2.36e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.245
Inclination
165.2°
Sidereal Orbit
0.21 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Kalyke

Kalyke is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Kalyke 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 2.36e+7 km (0.158 AU) from the Sun, Kalyke occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Kalyke demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

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

Orbital Properties

The Kalyke orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Kalyke orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.36e+7 km (0.158 AU), placing it 6.3× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Kalyke orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.245 (14.7× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Kalyke orbit takes 0.21 hours to complete (42474.0× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 165.2° indicates how much the Kalyke orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Kalyke may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Kalyke compared to Earth?

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

Kalyke orbits at an average distance of 2.36e+7 km (0.158 AU) from the Sun, placing it 6.3× 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 Kalyke?

A year on Kalyke lasts 0.21 hours (42474.0× 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 Kalyke made of?

Kalyke 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 Kalyke have seasons?

Kalyke 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