Sycorax

Alternative name: Also known as: S/1997 U 2

Moon
Sycorax Radius

Radius of Sycorax

The radius of Sycorax is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Sycorax radius measures approximately 75 km, making it 84.95× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Sycorax to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Sycorax 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.

Sycorax Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Sycorax

The Sycorax semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Sycorax semi-major axis measures 0.08 AU (approximately 1.22e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Sycorax. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Sycorax's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Sycorax semi-major axis 0.08 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.

Sycorax Mass

Mass of Sycorax in kg

The Sycorax mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of Sycorax in kg is approximately 2.30e+18 kg, which is 2596521.74× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

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

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

Sycorax Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Sycorax?

The Sycorax orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Sycorax orbital period is -0.36 hours, which is -24589.49× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Sycorax's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Sycorax 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 Sycorax from Earth?

Distance Between Sycorax and Earth

How far is Sycorax from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Sycorax and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Sycorax is approximately 1.37e+8 km(0.919 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 Sycorax 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 Sycorax.

The distance between Sycorax and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Sycorax 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
75km
Equatorial Radius
75km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.30e+18 kg
Volume
1.76e+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
1.22e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.522
Inclination
159.42°
Sidereal Orbit
-0.36 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Sycorax

Sycorax is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Sycorax radius of 75 km, making it 84.9× 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 1.22e+7 km (0.081 AU) from the Sun, Sycorax occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Sycorax demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Sycorax physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Sycorax radius measures 75 km, making it 84.9× smaller than Earth's size. The Sycorax mass of 2.30e+18 kg represents 2596521.7× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 1.76e+6 km³, Sycorax occupies significant space in the Solar System.

Orbital Properties

The Sycorax orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Sycorax orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.22e+7 km (0.081 AU), placing it 12.3× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Sycorax orbit is highly elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.522 (31.3× Earth's orbital eccentricity), leading to extreme variations in temperature and solar exposure. The Sycorax orbit takes -0.36 hours to complete (-24589.5× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 159.42° indicates how much the Sycorax orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Sycorax may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Sycorax compared to Earth?

Sycorax has a radius of 75 km, making it 84.9× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Sycorax 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 Sycorax from the Sun?

Sycorax orbits at an average distance of 1.22e+7 km (0.081 AU) from the Sun, placing it 12.3× 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 Sycorax?

A year on Sycorax lasts -0.36 hours (-24589.5× 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 Sycorax made of?

Sycorax 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 Sycorax have seasons?

Sycorax 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
Philip D. Nicholson, Brett J. Gladman, Joseph A. Burns, John J. Kavelaars
Discovery Date
06/09/1997
Raw Data