20000 Varuna

Alternative name: Also known as: 2000 WR106

Asteroid
Physical Properties
Mean Radius
330km
Equatorial Radius
0km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
1.55e+20 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
6.45e+9km
Perihelion
6.12e+9km
Aphelion
6.78e+9km
Eccentricity
0.051
Inclination
17.158°
Sidereal Orbit
1.20 days
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of 20000 Varuna

20000 Varuna is a fascinating asteroid in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 20000 Varuna radius of 330 km, making it 19.3× 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 6.45e+9 km (43.125 AU) from the Sun, 20000 Varuna occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As an asteroid, 20000 Varuna represents the remnants of the early Solar System, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our cosmic neighborhood.

Physical Characteristics

The 20000 Varuna physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 20000 Varuna radius measures 330 km, making it 19.3× smaller than Earth's size. The 20000 Varuna mass of 1.55e+20 kg represents 38529.0× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The 20000 Varuna orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 20000 Varuna orbit has a semimajor axis of 6.45e+9 km (43.125 AU), placing it 43.1× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 20000 Varuna comes within 6.12e+9 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 6.78e+9 km, creating a 10.2% variation in solar distance. The 20000 Varuna orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.051 (3.1× Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The 20000 Varuna orbit takes 1.20 days to complete (305.1× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 17.158° indicates how much the 20000 Varuna orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This moderate inclination indicates a typical orbital evolution for objects in this region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

The 20000 Varuna rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 20000 Varuna axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 20000 Varuna experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 20000 Varuna'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 20000 Varuna temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 20000 Varuna average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 20000 Varuna 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), 20000 Varuna presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being farther from the Sun than Earth, 20000 Varuna receives less solar radiation, resulting in cooler conditions.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The 20000 Varuna escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 20000 Varuna 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 20000 Varuna to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 20000 Varuna 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 20000 Varuna

How big is 20000 Varuna compared to Earth?

20000 Varuna has a radius of 330 km, making it 19.3× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 20000 Varuna 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 20000 Varuna from the Sun?

20000 Varuna orbits at an average distance of 6.45e+9 km (43.125 AU) from the Sun, placing it 43.1× 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 20000 Varuna?

A year on 20000 Varuna lasts 1.20 days (305.1× 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 20000 Varuna made of?

20000 Varuna 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 20000 Varuna have seasons?

20000 Varuna 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
Robert S. McMillan Spacewatch
Discovery Date
28/11/2000
Raw Data