101955 Bennu

Alternative name: Also known as: 1999 RQ36

Asteroid
101955 Bennu Radius

Radius of 101955 Bennu

The radius of 101955 Bennu is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The 101955 Bennu radius measures approximately 250 km, making it 25.48× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of 101955 Bennu to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the 101955 Bennu 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.

101955 Bennu Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of 101955 Bennu

The 101955 Bennu semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The 101955 Bennu semi-major axis measures 1.13 AU (approximately 1.68e+8 km), which represents the average orbital radius of 101955 Bennu. This measurement is fundamental to understanding 101955 Bennu's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

The orbital radius of 101955 Bennu determines how much solar radiation the planet receives, which directly influences its temperature, climate, and overall environmental conditions. This distance places 101955 Bennu in a specific region of the Solar System, each with unique characteristics and scientific significance.

When we examine the 101955 Bennu semi-major axis 1.13 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.

101955 Bennu Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on 101955 Bennu?

The 101955 Bennu orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The 101955 Bennu orbital period is 0.12 hours, which is 72280.94× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of 101955 Bennu's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

The 101955 Bennu 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 101955 Bennu takes the time it does to complete one full orbit.

Understanding the 101955 Bennu 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 101955 Bennu from Earth?

Distance Between 101955 Bennu and Earth

How far is 101955 Bennu from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between 101955 Bennu and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, 101955 Bennu is approximately 1.88e+7 km(0.126 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 101955 Bennu 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 101955 Bennu.

The distance between 101955 Bennu and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When 101955 Bennu 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
250km
Equatorial Radius
0.25km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
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
1.68e+8km
Perihelion
1.34e+8km
Aphelion
2.03e+8km
Eccentricity
0.204
Inclination
6.035°
Sidereal Orbit
0.12 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of 101955 Bennu

101955 Bennu is a fascinating asteroid in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 101955 Bennu radius of 250 km, making it 25.5× 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 1.68e+8 km (1.126 AU) from the Sun, 101955 Bennu occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As an asteroid, 101955 Bennu represents the remnants of the early Solar System, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our cosmic neighborhood.

Physical Characteristics

The 101955 Bennu physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 101955 Bennu radius measures 250 km, making it 25.5× smaller than Earth's size.

Orbital Properties

The 101955 Bennu orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 101955 Bennu orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.68e+8 km (1.126 AU), placing it 1.1× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 101955 Bennu comes within 1.34e+8 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 2.03e+8 km, creating a 40.8% variation in solar distance. The 101955 Bennu orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.204 (12.2× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The 101955 Bennu orbit takes 0.12 hours to complete (72280.9× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 6.035° indicates how much the 101955 Bennu 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 101955 Bennu rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 101955 Bennu axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 101955 Bennu experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 101955 Bennu'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 101955 Bennu temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 101955 Bennu average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 101955 Bennu 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), 101955 Bennu presents a dramatically different thermal environment. At a similar distance to Earth from the Sun, 101955 Bennu's temperature is primarily influenced by its atmospheric composition and albedo. The elliptical orbit creates significant temperature variations throughout the year, with extreme seasonal changes.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The 101955 Bennu escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 101955 Bennu 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 101955 Bennu to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 101955 Bennu 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 101955 Bennu

How big is 101955 Bennu compared to Earth?

101955 Bennu has a radius of 250 km, making it 25.5× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 101955 Bennu 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 101955 Bennu from the Sun?

101955 Bennu orbits at an average distance of 1.68e+8 km (1.126 AU) from the Sun, placing it 1.1× 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 101955 Bennu?

A year on 101955 Bennu lasts 0.12 hours (72280.9× 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 101955 Bennu made of?

101955 Bennu 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 101955 Bennu have seasons?

101955 Bennu 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
LINEAR
Discovery Date
11/09/1999
Raw Data