Sao

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2002 N 2

Moon
Sao Radius

Radius of Sao

The radius of Sao is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Sao radius measures approximately 20 km, making it 318.55× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Sao to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Sao 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.

Sao Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Sao

The Sao semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Sao semi-major axis measures 0.15 AU (approximately 2.24e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Sao. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Sao's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Sao semi-major axis 0.15 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.

Sao Mass

Mass of Sao in kg

The Sao mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Sao in kg is approximately 1.00e+17 kg, which is 59720000.00× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Sao Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Sao?

The Sao orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Sao orbital period is 0.81 hours, which is 10829.47× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Sao's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Sao 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 Sao from Earth?

Distance Between Sao and Earth

How far is Sao from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Sao and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Sao is approximately 1.27e+8 km(0.850 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 Sao 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 Sao.

The distance between Sao and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Sao 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
20km
Equatorial Radius
22km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.00e+17 kg
Volume
4.46e+5 km³
Density
1.5g/cm³
Gravity
0.01m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
2.24e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.293
Inclination
48.5°
Sidereal Orbit
0.81 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Sao

Sao is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Sao radius of 20 km, making it 318.6× 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 2.24e+7 km (0.150 AU) from the Sun, Sao occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Sao demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Sao physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Sao radius measures 20 km, making it 318.6× smaller than Earth's size. The Sao mass of 1.00e+17 kg represents 59720000.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 4.46e+5 km³, Sao occupies significant space in the Solar System. The Sao density of 1.5 g/cm³ (3.7× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.01 m/s² (981.0× smaller than Earth's gravity) determines how objects behave on its surface. The low density indicates a composition dominated by lighter elements, characteristic of gas giants or icy bodies.

Orbital Properties

The Sao orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Sao orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.24e+7 km (0.150 AU), placing it 6.7× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Sao orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.293 (17.5× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Sao orbit takes 0.81 hours to complete (10829.5× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 48.5° indicates how much the Sao orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Sao may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

What is the gravity on Sao?

The gravity on Sao is 0.01 m/s² (981.0× smaller than Earth's gravity). This gravitational force determines how objects behave on the surface, affects atmospheric retention, and influences the planet's ability to hold onto gases and particles. A person weighing 70 kg on Earth would weigh 0.1 kg on Sao.

How big is Sao compared to Earth?

Sao has a radius of 20 km, making it 318.6× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Sao 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 Sao from the Sun?

Sao orbits at an average distance of 2.24e+7 km (0.150 AU) from the Sun, placing it 6.7× 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 Sao?

A year on Sao lasts 0.81 hours (10829.5× 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 Sao made of?

Sao 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 Sao have seasons?

Sao 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, Tommy Grav, Wesley C. Fraser, Dan Milisavljevic
Discovery Date
14/08/2002
Raw Data