Sycorax

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

Moon
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
75km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.30e+18 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
1.22e+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.

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 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 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
Orbits AroundParent Body