Pandora

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

Moon
Dimensions:103×80×64
Pandora Radius

Radius of Pandora

The radius of Pandora is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Pandora radius measures approximately 40.7 km, making it 156.54× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Pandora to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Pandora 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.

Pandora Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Pandora

The Pandora semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Pandora semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 141,700 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Pandora. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Pandora's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Pandora 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.

Pandora Mass

Mass of Pandora in kg

The Pandora mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Pandora in kg is approximately 1.40e+17 kg, which is 42657142.86× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Pandora Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Pandora?

The Pandora orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Pandora orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 50171938.79× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Pandora's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Pandora 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 Pandora from Earth?

Distance Between Pandora and Earth

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

The distance between Pandora and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Pandora 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
40.7km
Equatorial Radius
40.7km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.40e+17 kg
Volume
2.82e+6 km³
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
0.007°
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. With a volume of 2.82e+6 km³, Pandora occupies significant space in the Solar System.

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 0.007° 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