Moon Radius

Radius of Moon

The radius of Moon is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Moon radius measures approximately 1,737 km, making it 3.67× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Moon to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Moon 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.

Moon Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Moon

The Moon semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Moon semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 384,400 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Moon. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Moon's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Moon 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.

Moon Mass

Mass of Moon in kg

The Moon mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Moon in kg is approximately 7.35e+22 kg, which is 81.30× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Moon Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Moon?

The Moon orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Moon orbital period is 0.01 hours, which is 1155058.05× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Moon's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Moon 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 Moon from Earth?

Distance Between Moon and Earth

How far is Moon from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Moon and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Moon is approximately 1.49e+8 km(0.997 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 Moon 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 Moon.

The distance between Moon and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Moon 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
1,737km
Equatorial Radius
1,738.1km
Polar Radius
1,736km
Mass
7.35e+22 kg
Volume
2.20e+10 km³
Density
3.344g/cm³
Gravity
1.62m/s²
Escape Velocity
2,380m/s
Flattening
0.001
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
6.68°
Semimajor Axis
384,400km
Perihelion
363,300km
Aphelion
405,500km
Eccentricity
0.055
Inclination
5.145°
Sidereal Orbit
0.01 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0.18 hours
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Moon

Moon is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Moon radius of 1,737 km, making it 3.7× 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 384,400 km (0.003 AU) from the Sun, Moon occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Moon demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Moon physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Moon radius measures 1,737 km, making it 3.7× smaller than Earth's size. The equatorial radius of 1,738.1 km and polar radius of 1,736 km create a slight flattening of 0.12%, indicating the planet's rotation affects its shape. The Moon mass of 7.35e+22 kg represents 81.3× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 2.20e+10 km³, Moon occupies significant space in the Solar System. The Moon density of 3.344 g/cm³ (1.6× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 1.62 m/s² (6.1× 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 Moon orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Moon orbit has a semimajor axis of 384,400 km (0.003 AU), placing it 389.2× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), Moon comes within 363,300 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 405,500 km, creating a 11.0% variation in solar distance. The Moon orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.055 (3.3× Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Moon orbit takes 0.01 hours to complete (1155058.0× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 5.145° indicates how much the Moon 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 Moon rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Moon rotation period of 0.18 hours (131.4× smaller than Earth's rotation period) determines the length of its day. This extremely fast rotation creates intense centrifugal forces and may contribute to the planet's flattened shape. The Moon axial tilt of 6.68° (3.5× smaller than Earth's axial tilt) determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. This moderate tilt produces seasonal variations similar to Earth, with changing day lengths and temperature patterns throughout the year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Moon'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 Moon temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Moon average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Moon 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), Moon presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Moon receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The Moon escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The Moon escape velocity of 2,380 m/s (4.7× smaller than Earth's escape velocity) 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 Moon to retain a substantial atmosphere. The Moon flattening of 0.1200% indicates how much the planet's rotation affects its shape. This moderate flattening shows that rotation has created a slight bulge at the equator, typical of most rotating celestial bodies. The equatorial radius of 1,738.1 km compared to the polar radius of 1,736 km demonstrates this rotational deformation.

FAQs About Moon

What is the gravity on Moon?

The gravity on Moon is 1.62 m/s² (6.1× 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 11.6 kg on Moon.

How big is Moon compared to Earth?

Moon has a radius of 1,737 km, making it 3.7× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Moon 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 Moon from the Sun?

Moon orbits at an average distance of 384,400 km (0.003 AU) from the Sun, placing it 389.2× 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 Moon?

A year on Moon lasts 0.01 hours (1155058.0× 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 the escape velocity of Moon?

The escape velocity of Moon is 2,380 m/s (4.7× smaller than Earth's escape velocity). This is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from the planet's gravitational pull and enter space. The low escape velocity makes it difficult for the planet to retain an atmosphere.

What is Moon made of?

Moon has a density of 3.344 g/cm³ (1.6× 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 Moon have seasons?

Moon has an axial tilt of 6.68° (3.5× smaller than Earth's axial tilt). This moderate tilt produces seasonal variations similar to Earth, with changing day lengths and temperature patterns throughout the year.
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