Metis

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1979 J 3

Moon
Dimensions:30 x 20 x 17
Metis Radius

Radius of Metis

The radius of Metis is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Metis radius measures approximately 22 km, making it 289.59× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Metis to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Metis 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.

Metis Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Metis

The Metis semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Metis semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 128,000 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Metis. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Metis's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Metis 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.

Metis Mass

Mass of Metis in kg

The Metis mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Metis in kg is approximately 1.00e+17 kg, which is 59720000.00× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Metis Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Metis?

The Metis orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Metis orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 107056616.80× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Metis's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Metis 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 Metis from Earth?

Distance Between Metis and Earth

How far is Metis from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Metis and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Metis 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 Metis 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 Metis.

The distance between Metis and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Metis 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
22km
Equatorial Radius
21.5km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.00e+17 kg
Volume
4.16e+5 km³
Density
3g/cm³
Gravity
0.005m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
128,000km
Perihelion
127,974km
Aphelion
128,026km
Eccentricity
0.001
Inclination
0.019°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0.00 hours
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Metis

Metis is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Metis radius of 22 km, making it 289.6× 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 128,000 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, Metis occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Metis demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Metis physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Metis radius measures 22 km, making it 289.6× smaller than Earth's size. The Metis mass of 1.00e+17 kg represents 59720000.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 4.16e+5 km³, Metis occupies significant space in the Solar System. The Metis density of 3 g/cm³ (1.8× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.005 m/s² (1962.0× 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 Metis orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Metis orbit has a semimajor axis of 128,000 km (0.001 AU), placing it 1168.7× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), Metis comes within 127,974 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 128,026 km, creating a 0.0% variation in solar distance. The Metis orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.001 (16.7× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Metis orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (107056616.8× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.019° indicates how much the Metis orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Metis follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

The Metis rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Metis rotation period of 0.00 hours (121786.7× 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 Metis axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Metis experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Metis'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 Metis temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Metis average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Metis 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), Metis presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Metis receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

What is the gravity on Metis?

The gravity on Metis is 0.005 m/s² (1962.0× 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 0.0 kg on Metis.

How big is Metis compared to Earth?

Metis has a radius of 22 km, making it 289.6× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Metis 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 Metis from the Sun?

Metis orbits at an average distance of 128,000 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, placing it 1168.7× 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 Metis?

A year on Metis lasts 0.00 hours (107056616.8× 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 Metis made of?

Metis has a density of 3 g/cm³ (1.8× 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 Metis have seasons?

Metis 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
Stephen P. Synnott
Discovery Date
04/03/1979
Raw Data