Pan

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1981 S 13

Moon
Dimensions:35×32×21
Pan Radius

Radius of Pan

The radius of Pan is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Pan radius measures approximately 14.1 km, making it 451.84× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Pan to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Pan 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.

Pan Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Pan

The Pan semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Pan semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 133,600 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Pan. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Pan's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Pan 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.

Pan Mass

Mass of Pan in kg

The Pan mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Pan in kg is approximately 4.95e+15 kg, which is 1206464646.46× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Pan Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Pan?

The Pan orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Pan orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 54883738.26× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Pan's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Pan 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 Pan from Earth?

Distance Between Pan and Earth

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

The distance between Pan and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Pan 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
14.1km
Equatorial Radius
14.1km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
4.95e+15 kg
Volume
1.17e+5 km³
Density
0.42g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
133,600km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0
Inclination
0°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Pan

Pan is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Pan radius of 14.1 km, making it 451.8× 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 133,600 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, Pan occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Pan demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Pan physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Pan radius measures 14.1 km, making it 451.8× smaller than Earth's size. The Pan mass of 4.95e+15 kg represents 1206464646.5× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 1.17e+5 km³, Pan occupies significant space in the Solar System.

Orbital Properties

The Pan orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Pan orbit has a semimajor axis of 133,600 km (0.001 AU), placing it 1119.7× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Pan orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0, resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Pan orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (54883738.3× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of indicates how much the Pan orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Pan follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Pan compared to Earth?

Pan has a radius of 14.1 km, making it 451.8× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Pan 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 Pan from the Sun?

Pan orbits at an average distance of 133,600 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, placing it 1119.7× 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 Pan?

A year on Pan lasts 0.00 hours (54883738.3× 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 Pan made of?

Pan has a density of 0.42 g/cm³ (13.1× 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 Pan have seasons?

Pan 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
Mark R. Showalter
Discovery Date
22/08/1981
Raw Data