Surtur

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2006 S 7

Moon
Surtur Radius

Radius of Surtur

The radius of Surtur is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Surtur radius measures approximately 3 km, making it 2123.67× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Surtur to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Surtur 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.

Surtur Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Surtur

The Surtur semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Surtur semi-major axis measures 0.15 AU (approximately 2.27e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Surtur. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Surtur's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Surtur 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.

Surtur Mass

Mass of Surtur in kg

The Surtur mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Surtur in kg is approximately 1.50e+14 kg, which is 39813333333.33× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Surtur Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Surtur?

The Surtur orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Surtur orbital period is 0.36 hours, which is 24318.52× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Surtur's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Surtur 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 Surtur from Earth?

Distance Between Surtur and Earth

How far is Surtur from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Surtur and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Surtur is approximately 1.27e+8 km(0.848 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 Surtur 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 Surtur.

The distance between Surtur and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Surtur 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
3km
Equatorial Radius
3km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.50e+14 kg
Volume
0.00e+0 km³
Density
2.3g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
2.27e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.451
Inclination
177.5°
Sidereal Orbit
0.36 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Surtur

Surtur is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Surtur 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 2.27e+7 km (0.152 AU) from the Sun, Surtur occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Surtur demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

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

Orbital Properties

The Surtur orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Surtur orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.27e+7 km (0.152 AU), placing it 6.6× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Surtur orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.451 (27.0× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Surtur orbit takes 0.36 hours to complete (24318.5× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 177.5° indicates how much the Surtur orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Surtur may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Surtur compared to Earth?

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

Surtur orbits at an average distance of 2.27e+7 km (0.152 AU) from the Sun, placing it 6.6× 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 Surtur?

A year on Surtur lasts 0.36 hours (24318.5× 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 Surtur made of?

Surtur has a density of 2.3 g/cm³ (2.4× smaller than Earth's density). This density provides important clues about the planet's internal composition. The moderate density suggests a mixed composition of rocky and icy materials.

Does Surtur have seasons?

Surtur 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