Prospero
Alternative name: Also known as: S/1999 U 3
Table of Contents
Physical Properties
- Mean Radius
- 25km
- Equatorial Radius
- 0km
- Polar Radius
- 0km
- Mass
- 8.50e+16 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
- 1.63e+7km
- Perihelion
- 0km
- Aphelion
- 0km
- Eccentricity
- 0.445
- Inclination
- 151.83°
- Sidereal Orbit
- -0.55 hours
- Sidereal Rotation
- 0 seconds
- Mean Anomaly
- 0°
- Argument of Periapsis
- 0°
- Longitude of Ascending Node
- 0°
Overview of Prospero
Prospero is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Prospero radius of 25 km, making it 254.8× 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 1.63e+7 km (0.109 AU) from the Sun, Prospero occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Prospero demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.
Physical Characteristics
The Prospero physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Prospero radius measures 25 km, making it 254.8× smaller than Earth's size. The Prospero mass of 8.50e+16 kg represents 70258823.5× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.
Orbital Properties
The Prospero orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Prospero orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.63e+7 km (0.109 AU), placing it 9.2× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Prospero orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.445 (26.6× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Prospero orbit takes -0.55 hours to complete (-15960.2× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 151.83° indicates how much the Prospero orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Prospero may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.
Rotation and Tilt
The Prospero rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Prospero axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Prospero experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Prospero'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 Prospero temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Prospero average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Prospero 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), Prospero presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Prospero receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile. The elliptical orbit creates significant temperature variations throughout the year, with extreme seasonal changes.
Escape Velocity & Flattening
The Prospero escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The Prospero 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 Prospero to retain a substantial atmosphere. The Prospero 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 Prospero
How big is Prospero compared to Earth?
Prospero has a radius of 25 km, making it 254.8× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Prospero 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 Prospero from the Sun?
Prospero orbits at an average distance of 1.63e+7 km (0.109 AU) from the Sun, placing it 9.2× 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 Prospero?
A year on Prospero lasts -0.55 hours (-15960.2× 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 Prospero made of?
Prospero 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 Prospero have seasons?
Prospero 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
- Matthew J. Holman, John J. Kavelaars, Brett J. Gladman, Jean-Marc Petit, Hans Scholl
- Discovery Date
- 18/07/1999
Raw Data