Leda Radius

Radius of Leda

The radius of Leda is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Leda radius measures approximately 5 km, making it 1274.20× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Leda to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Leda 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.

Leda Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Leda

The Leda semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Leda semi-major axis measures 0.07 AU (approximately 1.12e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Leda. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Leda's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Leda semi-major axis 0.07 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.

Leda Mass

Mass of Leda in kg

The Leda mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Leda in kg is approximately 6.00e+17 kg, which is 9953333.33× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Leda Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Leda?

The Leda orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Leda orbital period is 0.07 hours, which is 130990.16× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Leda's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Leda 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 Leda from Earth?

Distance Between Leda and Earth

How far is Leda from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Leda and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Leda is approximately 1.38e+8 km(0.925 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 Leda 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 Leda.

The distance between Leda and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Leda 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
5km
Equatorial Radius
10km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
6.00e+17 kg
Volume
4.19e+4 km³
Density
2.6g/cm³
Gravity
0.007m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
1.12e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.164
Inclination
27.46°
Sidereal Orbit
0.07 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Leda

Leda is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Leda radius of 5 km, making it 1274.2× 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 1.12e+7 km (0.075 AU) from the Sun, Leda occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Leda demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Leda physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Leda radius measures 5 km, making it 1274.2× smaller than Earth's size. The Leda mass of 6.00e+17 kg represents 9953333.3× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 4.19e+4 km³, Leda occupies significant space in the Solar System. The Leda density of 2.6 g/cm³ (2.1× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.007 m/s² (1343.8× smaller than Earth's gravity) determines how objects behave on its surface. The moderate density suggests a mixed composition of rocky and icy materials.

Orbital Properties

The Leda orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Leda orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.12e+7 km (0.075 AU), placing it 13.4× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Leda orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.164 (9.8× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Leda orbit takes 0.07 hours to complete (130990.2× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 27.46° indicates how much the Leda orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This moderate inclination indicates a typical orbital evolution for objects in this region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

What is the gravity on Leda?

The gravity on Leda is 0.007 m/s² (1343.8× smaller than Earth's gravity). This gravitational force determines how objects behave on the surface, affects atmospheric retention, and influences the planet's ability to hold onto gases and particles. A person weighing 70 kg on Earth would weigh 0.1 kg on Leda.

How big is Leda compared to Earth?

Leda has a radius of 5 km, making it 1274.2× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Leda 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 Leda from the Sun?

Leda orbits at an average distance of 1.12e+7 km (0.075 AU) from the Sun, placing it 13.4× 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 Leda?

A year on Leda lasts 0.07 hours (130990.2× 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 Leda made of?

Leda has a density of 2.6 g/cm³ (2.1× smaller than Earth's density). This density provides important clues about the planet's internal composition. The moderate density suggests a mixed composition of rocky and icy materials.

Does Leda have seasons?

Leda 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
Charles Kowa
Discovery Date
11/09/1974
Raw Data