Nix

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2005 P2

Moon
Dimensions:49.8 x 33.2 x 31.1
Nix Radius

Radius of Nix

The radius of Nix is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Nix radius measures approximately 44 km, making it 144.80× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Nix to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Nix 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.

Nix Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Nix

The Nix semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Nix semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 48,694 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Nix. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Nix's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Nix 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.

Nix Mass

Mass of Nix in kg

The Nix mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Nix in kg is approximately 4.50e+16 kg, which is 132711111.11× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Nix Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Nix?

The Nix orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Nix orbital period is 0.01 hours, which is 1269741.27× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Nix's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Nix 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 Nix from Earth?

Distance Between Nix and Earth

How far is Nix from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Nix and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Nix is approximately 1.50e+8 km(1.000 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 Nix 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 Nix.

The distance between Nix and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Nix 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
44km
Equatorial Radius
44km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
4.50e+16 kg
Volume
0.00e+0 km³
Density
1.9g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
48,694km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.002
Inclination
0.133°
Sidereal Orbit
0.01 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Nix

Nix is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Nix radius of 44 km, making it 144.8× 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 48,694 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Nix occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Nix demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Nix physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Nix radius measures 44 km, making it 144.8× smaller than Earth's size. The Nix mass of 4.50e+16 kg represents 132711111.1× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Nix orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Nix orbit has a semimajor axis of 48,694 km (0.000 AU), placing it 3072.2× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Nix orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.002 (8.3× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Nix orbit takes 0.01 hours to complete (1269741.3× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.133° indicates how much the Nix orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Nix follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Nix compared to Earth?

Nix has a radius of 44 km, making it 144.8× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Nix 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 Nix from the Sun?

Nix orbits at an average distance of 48,694 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 3072.2× 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 Nix?

A year on Nix lasts 0.01 hours (1269741.3× 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 Nix made of?

Nix has a density of 1.9 g/cm³ (2.9× 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 Nix have seasons?

Nix 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
Hubble Space Telescope Pluto Companion Search Team
Discovery Date
15/05/2005
Raw Data