Thalassa
Alternative name: Also known as: S/1989 N 5
Dimensions:54 x 50 x 26
Table of Contents
Physical Properties
- Mean Radius
- 41km
- Equatorial Radius
- 0km
- Polar Radius
- 0km
- Mass
- 4.00e+17 kg
- Volume
- —
- Density
- 1g/cm³
- Gravity
- 0.013m/s²
- Escape Velocity
- 0m/s
- Flattening
- 0
- Average Temperature
- 0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
- Axial Tilt
- 0°
- Semimajor Axis
- 50,075km
- Perihelion
- 0km
- Aphelion
- 0km
- Eccentricity
- 0
- Inclination
- 0.21°
- Sidereal Orbit
- 0.00 hours
- Sidereal Rotation
- 0 seconds
- Mean Anomaly
- 0°
- Argument of Periapsis
- 0°
- Longitude of Ascending Node
- 0°
Overview of Thalassa
Thalassa is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Thalassa radius of 41 km, making it 155.4× 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 50,075 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Thalassa occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Thalassa demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.
Physical Characteristics
The Thalassa physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Thalassa radius measures 41 km, making it 155.4× smaller than Earth's size. The Thalassa mass of 4.00e+17 kg represents 14930000.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. The Thalassa density of 1 g/cm³ (5.5× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.013 m/s² (754.6× 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 Thalassa orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Thalassa orbit has a semimajor axis of 50,075 km (0.000 AU), placing it 2987.5× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Thalassa orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0 (83.5× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Thalassa orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (101313523.7× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 0.21° indicates how much the Thalassa orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Thalassa follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.
Rotation and Tilt
The Thalassa rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The Thalassa axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, Thalassa experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about Thalassa's position in space. The mean anomaly of 0° indicates the planet's current position in its orbit relative to its perihelion. The argument of periapsis of 0° shows how the orbit's orientation changes over time due to gravitational perturbations. The longitude of ascending node of 0° defines the reference point where the orbit crosses the ecliptic plane.
Temperature and Atmosphere
The Thalassa temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The Thalassa average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make Thalassa 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), Thalassa presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being closer to the Sun than Earth, Thalassa receives more intense solar radiation, contributing to its temperature profile.
Escape Velocity & Flattening
The Thalassa escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The Thalassa 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 Thalassa to retain a substantial atmosphere. The Thalassa 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 Thalassa
What is the gravity on Thalassa?
The gravity on Thalassa is 0.013 m/s² (754.6× 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 Thalassa.
How big is Thalassa compared to Earth?
Thalassa has a radius of 41 km, making it 155.4× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Thalassa 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 Thalassa from the Sun?
Thalassa orbits at an average distance of 50,075 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2987.5× 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 Thalassa?
A year on Thalassa lasts 0.00 hours (101313523.7× 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 Thalassa made of?
Thalassa 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 Thalassa have seasons?
Thalassa has an axial tilt of 0°. With minimal axial tilt, the planet experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year.
Discovery Information
- Discovered By
- Richard J. Terrile
- Discovery Date
- 18/09/1989
Raw Data