Ophelia

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1986 U 8

Moon
Ophelia Radius

Radius of Ophelia

The radius of Ophelia is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Ophelia radius measures approximately 21 km, making it 303.38× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Ophelia to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Ophelia 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.

Ophelia Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Ophelia

The Ophelia semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Ophelia semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 53,800 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Ophelia. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Ophelia's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Ophelia 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.

Ophelia Mass

Mass of Ophelia in kg

The Ophelia mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Ophelia in kg is approximately 5.40e+16 kg, which is 110592592.59× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Ophelia Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Ophelia?

The Ophelia orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Ophelia orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 83842054.99× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Ophelia's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Ophelia 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 Ophelia from Earth?

Distance Between Ophelia and Earth

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

The distance between Ophelia and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Ophelia 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
21km
Equatorial Radius
21.4km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
5.40e+16 kg
Volume
4.11e+5 km³
Density
1.3g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
53,800km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.01
Inclination
0.1°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Ophelia

Ophelia is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Ophelia radius of 21 km, making it 303.4× 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 53,800 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Ophelia occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Ophelia demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Ophelia physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Ophelia radius measures 21 km, making it 303.4× smaller than Earth's size. The Ophelia mass of 5.40e+16 kg represents 110592592.6× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 4.11e+5 km³, Ophelia occupies significant space in the Solar System.

Orbital Properties

The Ophelia orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Ophelia orbit has a semimajor axis of 53,800 km (0.000 AU), placing it 2780.6× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Ophelia orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.01 (1.7× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Ophelia orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (83842055.0× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.1° indicates how much the Ophelia orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Ophelia follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Ophelia compared to Earth?

Ophelia has a radius of 21 km, making it 303.4× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Ophelia 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 Ophelia from the Sun?

Ophelia orbits at an average distance of 53,800 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2780.6× 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 Ophelia?

A year on Ophelia lasts 0.00 hours (83842055.0× 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 Ophelia made of?

Ophelia has a density of 1.3 g/cm³ (4.2× 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 Ophelia have seasons?

Ophelia 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
Richard J. Terrile
Discovery Date
20/01/1986
Raw Data