Pandora

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1980 S 26

Moon
Dimensions:103×80×64
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
40.7km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.40e+17 kg
Volume
Density
0.49g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
141,700km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.004
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 Pandora

Pandora is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Pandora radius of 40.7 km, making it 156.5× 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 141,700 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, Pandora occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Pandora demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Pandora physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Pandora radius measures 40.7 km, making it 156.5× smaller than Earth's size. The Pandora mass of 1.40e+17 kg represents 42657142.9× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Pandora orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Pandora orbit has a semimajor axis of 141,700 km (0.001 AU), placing it 1055.7× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Pandora orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.004 (4.0× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Pandora orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (50171938.8× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of indicates how much the Pandora orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Pandora follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Pandora compared to Earth?

Pandora has a radius of 40.7 km, making it 156.5× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Pandora 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 Pandora from the Sun?

Pandora orbits at an average distance of 141,700 km (0.001 AU) from the Sun, placing it 1055.7× 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 Pandora?

A year on Pandora lasts 0.00 hours (50171938.8× 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 Pandora made of?

Pandora has a density of 0.49 g/cm³ (11.2× 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 Pandora have seasons?

Pandora 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
Stewart A. Collins
Discovery Date
??/10/1980
Raw Data
Orbits AroundParent Body