Skoll

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2006 S 8

Moon
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
3km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.50e+14 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
1.77e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.464
Inclination
161.2°
Sidereal Orbit
0.24 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Skoll

Skoll is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Skoll radius of 3 km, making it 2123.7× 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 1.77e+7 km (0.118 AU) from the Sun, Skoll occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Skoll demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Skoll physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Skoll radius measures 3 km, making it 2123.7× smaller than Earth's size. The Skoll mass of 1.50e+14 kg represents 39813333333.3× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The Skoll orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Skoll orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.77e+7 km (0.118 AU), placing it 8.5× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Skoll orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.464 (27.8× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Skoll orbit takes 0.24 hours to complete (35930.9× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 161.2° indicates how much the Skoll orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Skoll may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Skoll compared to Earth?

Skoll has a radius of 3 km, making it 2123.7× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Skoll 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 Skoll from the Sun?

Skoll orbits at an average distance of 1.77e+7 km (0.118 AU) from the Sun, placing it 8.5× 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 Skoll?

A year on Skoll lasts 0.24 hours (35930.9× 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 Skoll made of?

Skoll 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 Skoll have seasons?

Skoll 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
Scott S. Sheppard, David C. Jewitt, Jan Kleyna, Brian G. Marsden
Discovery Date
12/12/2004
Raw Data
Orbits AroundParent Body