Miranda

Moon
Miranda Radius

Radius of Miranda

The radius of Miranda is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Miranda radius measures approximately 240 km, making it 26.55× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Miranda to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Miranda 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.

Miranda Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Miranda

The Miranda semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Miranda semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 129,900 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Miranda. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Miranda's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Miranda 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.

Miranda Mass

Mass of Miranda in kg

The Miranda mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Miranda in kg is approximately 6.60e+19 kg, which is 90484.85× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Miranda Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Miranda?

The Miranda orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Miranda orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 22326562.46× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Miranda's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Miranda 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 Miranda from Earth?

Distance Between Miranda and Earth

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

The distance between Miranda and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Miranda 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
240km
Equatorial Radius
235.8km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
6.60e+19 kg
Volume
5.49e+7 km³
Density
1.2g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
129,900km
Perihelion
129,703km
Aphelion
130,041km
Eccentricity
0.001
Inclination
4.34°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0.01 hours
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Miranda

Miranda is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Miranda radius of 240 km, making it 26.5× 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 129,900 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, Miranda occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Miranda demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Miranda physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Miranda radius measures 240 km, making it 26.5× smaller than Earth's size. The Miranda mass of 6.60e+19 kg represents 90484.8× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 5.49e+7 km³, Miranda occupies significant space in the Solar System.

Orbital Properties

The Miranda orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Miranda orbit has a semimajor axis of 129,900 km (0.001 AU), placing it 1151.6× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), Miranda comes within 129,703 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 130,041 km, creating a 0.3% variation in solar distance. The Miranda orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.001 (12.8× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Miranda orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (22326562.5× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 4.34° indicates how much the Miranda orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Miranda follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

The Miranda rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Miranda rotation period of 0.01 hours (2540.0× 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 Miranda axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Miranda experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Miranda'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 Miranda temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Miranda average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Miranda 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), Miranda presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Miranda receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Miranda compared to Earth?

Miranda has a radius of 240 km, making it 26.5× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Miranda 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 Miranda from the Sun?

Miranda orbits at an average distance of 129,900 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, placing it 1151.6× 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 Miranda?

A year on Miranda lasts 0.00 hours (22326562.5× 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 Miranda made of?

Miranda has a density of 1.2 g/cm³ (4.6× 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 Miranda have seasons?

Miranda 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
Gerard Kuiper
Discovery Date
16/02/1948
Raw Data