Prospero

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1999 U 3

Moon
Prospero Radius

Radius of Prospero

The radius of Prospero is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Prospero radius measures approximately 25 km, making it 254.84× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Prospero to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Prospero 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.

Prospero Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Prospero

The Prospero semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Prospero semi-major axis measures 0.11 AU (approximately 1.63e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Prospero. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Prospero's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Prospero semi-major axis 0.11 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.

Prospero Mass

Mass of Prospero in kg

The Prospero mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Prospero in kg is approximately 8.50e+16 kg, which is 70258823.53× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Prospero Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Prospero?

The Prospero orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Prospero orbital period is -0.55 hours, which is -15960.22× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Prospero's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Prospero 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 Prospero from Earth?

Distance Between Prospero and Earth

How far is Prospero from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Prospero and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Prospero is approximately 1.33e+8 km(0.891 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 Prospero 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 Prospero.

The distance between Prospero and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Prospero 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
25km
Equatorial Radius
25km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
8.50e+16 kg
Volume
6.55e+6 km³
Density
1.5g/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. With a volume of 6.55e+6 km³, Prospero occupies significant space in the Solar System.

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 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 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 1.5 g/cm³ (3.7× 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 . 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