Oberon

Moon
Oberon Radius

Radius of Oberon

The radius of Oberon is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Oberon radius measures approximately 761.4 km, making it 8.37× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Oberon to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Oberon 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.

Oberon Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Oberon

The Oberon semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Oberon semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 583,500 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Oberon. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Oberon's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Oberon 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.

Oberon Mass

Mass of Oberon in kg

The Oberon mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Oberon in kg is approximately 2.88e+21 kg, which is 2073.61× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Oberon Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Oberon?

The Oberon orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Oberon orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 2344025.13× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Oberon's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Oberon 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 Oberon from Earth?

Distance Between Oberon and Earth

How far is Oberon from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Oberon and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Oberon is approximately 1.49e+8 km(0.996 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 Oberon 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 Oberon.

The distance between Oberon and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Oberon 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
761.4km
Equatorial Radius
761.4km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.88e+21 kg
Volume
1.84e+9 km³
Density
1.63g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
583,500km
Perihelion
582,702km
Aphelion
584,336km
Eccentricity
0.001
Inclination
0.07°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0.09 hours
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Oberon

Oberon is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Oberon radius of 761.4 km, making it 8.4× 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 583,500 km (0.004 AU) from the Sun, Oberon occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Oberon demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Oberon physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Oberon radius measures 761.4 km, making it 8.4× smaller than Earth's size. The Oberon mass of 2.88e+21 kg represents 2073.6× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 1.84e+9 km³, Oberon occupies significant space in the Solar System.

Orbital Properties

The Oberon orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Oberon orbit has a semimajor axis of 583,500 km (0.004 AU), placing it 256.4× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), Oberon comes within 582,702 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 584,336 km, creating a 0.3% variation in solar distance. The Oberon orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.001 (11.9× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Oberon orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (2344025.1× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.07° indicates how much the Oberon orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Oberon follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

The Oberon rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Oberon rotation period of 0.09 hours (266.7× 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 Oberon axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Oberon experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Oberon'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 Oberon temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Oberon average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Oberon 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), Oberon presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Oberon receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Oberon compared to Earth?

Oberon has a radius of 761.4 km, making it 8.4× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Oberon 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 Oberon from the Sun?

Oberon orbits at an average distance of 583,500 km (0.004 AU) from the Sun, placing it 256.4× 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 Oberon?

A year on Oberon lasts 0.00 hours (2344025.1× 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 Oberon made of?

Oberon has a density of 1.63 g/cm³ (3.4× 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 Oberon have seasons?

Oberon 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
William Herschel
Discovery Date
11/01/1787
Raw Data