Megaclite

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2000 J 8

Moon
Megaclite Radius

Radius of Megaclite

The radius of Megaclite is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Megaclite radius measures approximately 2.7 km, making it 2359.63× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Megaclite to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Megaclite 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.

Megaclite Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Megaclite

The Megaclite semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Megaclite semi-major axis measures 0.16 AU (approximately 2.38e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Megaclite. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Megaclite's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Megaclite 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.

Megaclite Mass

Mass of Megaclite in kg

The Megaclite mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Megaclite in kg is approximately 2.10e+14 kg, which is 28438095238.10× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Megaclite Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Megaclite?

The Megaclite orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Megaclite orbital period is 0.21 hours, which is 41921.03× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Megaclite's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Megaclite 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 Megaclite from Earth?

Distance Between Megaclite and Earth

How far is Megaclite from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Megaclite and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Megaclite is approximately 1.26e+8 km(0.841 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 Megaclite 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 Megaclite.

The distance between Megaclite and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Megaclite 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
2.7km
Equatorial Radius
10km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.10e+14 kg
Volume
0.00e+0 km³
Density
1.5g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
2.38e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.421
Inclination
152.8°
Sidereal Orbit
0.21 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Megaclite

Megaclite is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Megaclite radius of 2.7 km, making it 2359.6× 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 2.38e+7 km (0.159 AU) from the Sun, Megaclite occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Megaclite demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Megaclite physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Megaclite radius measures 2.7 km, making it 2359.6× smaller than Earth's size. The Megaclite mass of 2.10e+14 kg represents 28438095238.1× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Megaclite orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Megaclite orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.38e+7 km (0.159 AU), placing it 6.3× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Megaclite orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.421 (25.2× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Megaclite orbit takes 0.21 hours to complete (41921.0× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 152.8° indicates how much the Megaclite orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Megaclite may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Megaclite compared to Earth?

Megaclite has a radius of 2.7 km, making it 2359.6× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Megaclite 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 Megaclite from the Sun?

Megaclite orbits at an average distance of 2.38e+7 km (0.159 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 Megaclite?

A year on Megaclite lasts 0.21 hours (41921.0× 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 Megaclite made of?

Megaclite has a density of 1.5 g/cm³ (3.7× 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 Megaclite have seasons?

Megaclite 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