Methone

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2004 S 1

Moon
Methone Radius

Radius of Methone

The radius of Methone is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Methone radius measures approximately 1.6 km, making it 3981.88× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Methone to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Methone 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.

Methone Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Methone

The Methone semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Methone semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 194,000 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Methone. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Methone's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Methone 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.

Methone Mass

Mass of Methone in kg

The Methone mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Methone in kg is approximately 2.00e+13 kg, which is 298600000000.00× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Methone Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Methone?

The Methone orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Methone orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 31245692.57× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Methone's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Methone 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 Methone from Earth?

Distance Between Methone and Earth

How far is Methone from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Methone and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Methone is approximately 1.49e+8 km(0.999 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 Methone 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 Methone.

The distance between Methone and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Methone 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
1.6km
Equatorial Radius
1.6km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.00e+13 kg
Volume
0.00e+0 km³
Density
0.5g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
194,000km
Perihelion
194,421km
Aphelion
194,459km
Eccentricity
0
Inclination
0°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Methone

Methone is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Methone radius of 1.6 km, making it 3981.9× 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 194,000 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, Methone occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Methone demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Methone physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Methone radius measures 1.6 km, making it 3981.9× smaller than Earth's size. The Methone mass of 2.00e+13 kg represents 298600000000.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Methone orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Methone orbit has a semimajor axis of 194,000 km (0.001 AU), placing it 771.1× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), Methone comes within 194,421 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 194,459 km, creating a 0.0% variation in solar distance. The Methone orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0 (167.0× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Methone orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (31245692.6× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of indicates how much the Methone orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Methone follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The Methone escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The Methone 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 Methone to retain a substantial atmosphere. The Methone 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 Methone

How big is Methone compared to Earth?

Methone has a radius of 1.6 km, making it 3981.9× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Methone 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 Methone from the Sun?

Methone orbits at an average distance of 194,000 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, placing it 771.1× 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 Methone?

A year on Methone lasts 0.00 hours (31245692.6× 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 Methone made of?

Methone has a density of 0.5 g/cm³ (11.0× 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 Methone have seasons?

Methone 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
Carolyn C. Porco, Sébastien Charnoz
Discovery Date
01/06/2004
Raw Data