Portia
Alternative name: Also known as: S/1986 U 1
Table of Contents
Physical Properties
- Mean Radius
- 70km
- Equatorial Radius
- 0km
- Polar Radius
- 0km
- Mass
- 1.70e+18 kg
- Volume
- —
- Density
- 1g/cm³
- Gravity
- 0m/s²
- Escape Velocity
- 0m/s
- Flattening
- 0
- Average Temperature
- 0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
- Axial Tilt
- 0°
- Semimajor Axis
- 66,100km
- Perihelion
- 0km
- Aphelion
- 0km
- Eccentricity
- 0
- Inclination
- 0.06°
- Sidereal Orbit
- 0.00 hours
- Sidereal Rotation
- 0 seconds
- Mean Anomaly
- 0°
- Argument of Periapsis
- 0°
- Longitude of Ascending Node
- 0°
Overview of Portia
Portia is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Portia radius of 70 km, making it 91.0× 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 66,100 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Portia occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Portia demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.
Physical Characteristics
The Portia physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Portia radius measures 70 km, making it 91.0× smaller than Earth's size. The Portia mass of 1.70e+18 kg represents 3512941.2× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.
Orbital Properties
The Portia orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Portia orbit has a semimajor axis of 66,100 km (0.000 AU), placing it 2263.2× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Portia orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0 (167.0× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Portia orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (61492886.8× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.06° indicates how much the Portia orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Portia follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.
Rotation and Tilt
The Portia rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Portia axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Portia experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Portia's position in space. The mean anomaly of 0° indicates the planet's current position in its orbit relative to its perihelion. The argument of periapsis of 0° shows how the orbit's orientation changes over time due to gravitational perturbations. The longitude of ascending node of 0° defines the reference point where the orbit crosses the ecliptic plane.
Temperature and Atmosphere
The Portia temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Portia average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Portia 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), Portia presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Portia receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.
Escape Velocity & Flattening
The Portia escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The Portia 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 Portia to retain a substantial atmosphere. The Portia 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 Portia
How big is Portia compared to Earth?
Portia has a radius of 70 km, making it 91.0× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Portia 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 Portia from the Sun?
Portia orbits at an average distance of 66,100 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2263.2× 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 Portia?
A year on Portia lasts 0.00 hours (61492886.8× 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 Portia made of?
Portia has a density of 1 g/cm³ (5.5× 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 Portia have seasons?
Portia has an axial tilt of 0°. With minimal axial tilt, the planet experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year.
Discovery Information
- Discovered By
- Stephen P. Synnott
- Discovery Date
- 03/01/1986
Raw Data