Gunnlod

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2004 S 32

Moon
Gunnlod Radius

Radius of Gunnlod

The radius of Gunnlod is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Gunnlod radius measures approximately 2 km, making it 3185.50× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Gunnlod to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Gunnlod 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.

Gunnlod Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Gunnlod

The Gunnlod semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Gunnlod semi-major axis measures 0.14 AU (approximately 2.16e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Gunnlod. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Gunnlod's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Gunnlod semi-major axis 0.14 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.

Gunnlod Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Gunnlod?

The Gunnlod orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Gunnlod orbital period is -0.33 hours, which is -26851.14× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Gunnlod's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Gunnlod 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 Gunnlod from Earth?

Distance Between Gunnlod and Earth

How far is Gunnlod from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Gunnlod and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Gunnlod is approximately 1.28e+8 km(0.856 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 Gunnlod 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 Gunnlod.

The distance between Gunnlod and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Gunnlod 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
2km
Equatorial Radius
2km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
Volume
Density
0g/cm³
Gravity
0m/s²
Escape Velocity
0m/s
Flattening
0
Average Temperature
0.0 K (-273.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
2.16e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.262
Inclination
158.5°
Sidereal Orbit
-0.33 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Gunnlod

Gunnlod is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Gunnlod radius of 2 km, making it 3185.5× 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 2.16e+7 km (0.144 AU) from the Sun, Gunnlod occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Gunnlod demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Gunnlod physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Gunnlod radius measures 2 km, making it 3185.5× smaller than Earth's size.

Orbital Properties

The Gunnlod orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Gunnlod orbit has a semimajor axis of 2.16e+7 km (0.144 AU), placing it 6.9× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Gunnlod orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.262 (15.7× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Gunnlod orbit takes -0.33 hours to complete (-26851.1× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 158.5° indicates how much the Gunnlod orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Gunnlod may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Gunnlod compared to Earth?

Gunnlod has a radius of 2 km, making it 3185.5× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Gunnlod 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 Gunnlod from the Sun?

Gunnlod orbits at an average distance of 2.16e+7 km (0.144 AU) from the Sun, placing it 6.9× 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 Gunnlod?

A year on Gunnlod lasts -0.33 hours (-26851.1× 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.

Does Gunnlod have seasons?

Gunnlod 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
S. Sheppard, D. Jewitt, J. Kleyna
Discovery Date
2004
Raw Data