136472 Makemake

Alternative name: Also known as: 2005 FY9

Dwarf Planet
136472 Makemake Radius

Radius of 136472 Makemake

The radius of 136472 Makemake is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The 136472 Makemake radius measures approximately 725 km, making it 8.79× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of 136472 Makemake to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the 136472 Makemake 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.

136472 Makemake Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of 136472 Makemake

The 136472 Makemake semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The 136472 Makemake semi-major axis measures 45.34 AU (approximately 6.78e+9 km), which represents the average orbital radius of 136472 Makemake. This measurement is fundamental to understanding 136472 Makemake's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

The orbital radius of 136472 Makemake determines how much solar radiation the planet receives, which directly influences its temperature, climate, and overall environmental conditions. This distance places 136472 Makemake in a specific region of the Solar System, each with unique characteristics and scientific significance.

When we examine the 136472 Makemake semi-major axis 45.34 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.

136472 Makemake Mass

Mass of 136472 Makemake in kg

The 136472 Makemake mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of 136472 Makemake in kg is approximately 4.40e+21 kg, which is 1357.27× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

Understanding the 136472 Makemake mass allows scientists to calculate other critical properties such as surface gravity, escape velocity, and the planet's ability to retain an atmosphere. The mass also plays a crucial role in determining how 136472 Makemake interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

The precise measurement of the mass of 136472 Makemake in kg is essential for space exploration missions, as it affects spacecraft trajectories, landing procedures, and the design of scientific instruments. This fundamental property helps us understand136472 Makemake's formation history and its place in the evolution of our Solar System.

136472 Makemake Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on 136472 Makemake?

The 136472 Makemake orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The 136472 Makemake orbital period is 1.31 days, which is 279.53× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of 136472 Makemake's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

The 136472 Makemake 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 136472 Makemake takes the time it does to complete one full orbit.

Understanding the 136472 Makemake 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 136472 Makemake from Earth?

Distance Between 136472 Makemake and Earth

How far is 136472 Makemake from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between 136472 Makemake and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, 136472 Makemake is approximately 6.63e+9 km(44.344 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 136472 Makemake 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 136472 Makemake.

The distance between 136472 Makemake and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When 136472 Makemake 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
725km
Equatorial Radius
745km
Polar Radius
715km
Mass
4.40e+21 kg
Volume
1.70e+9 km³
Density
1.4g/cm³
Gravity
0.5m/s²
Escape Velocity
800m/s
Flattening
0.05
Average Temperature
32.0 K (-241.1 °C)
Axial Tilt
0°
Semimajor Axis
6.78e+9km
Perihelion
5.67e+9km
Aphelion
7.89e+9km
Eccentricity
0.156
Inclination
29.007°
Sidereal Orbit
1.31 days
Sidereal Rotation
0.01 hours
Mean Anomaly
165.514°
Argument of Periapsis
294.834°
Longitude of Ascending Node
79.62°

Overview of 136472 Makemake

136472 Makemake is a fascinating dwarf planet in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 136472 Makemake radius of 725 km, making it 8.8× 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 6.78e+9 km (45.344 AU) from the Sun, 136472 Makemake occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture.

Physical Characteristics

The 136472 Makemake physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 136472 Makemake radius measures 725 km, making it 8.8× smaller than Earth's size. The equatorial radius of 745 km and polar radius of 715 km create a slight flattening of 4.03%, indicating the planet's rotation affects its shape. The 136472 Makemake mass of 4.40e+21 kg represents 1357.3× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence. With a volume of 1.70e+9 km³, 136472 Makemake occupies significant space in the Solar System. The 136472 Makemake density of 1.4 g/cm³ (3.9× smaller than Earth's density) provides clues about its internal composition, while the surface gravity of 0.5 m/s² (19.6× 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 136472 Makemake orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 136472 Makemake orbit has a semimajor axis of 6.78e+9 km (45.344 AU), placing it 45.3× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 136472 Makemake comes within 5.67e+9 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 7.89e+9 km, creating a 32.8% variation in solar distance. The 136472 Makemake orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.156 (9.3× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The 136472 Makemake orbit takes 1.31 days to complete (279.5× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 29.007° indicates how much the 136472 Makemake 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 136472 Makemake rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 136472 Makemake rotation period of 0.01 hours (3819.3× smaller than Earth's rotation period) determines the length of its day. This extremely fast rotation creates intense centrifugal forces and may contribute to the planet's flattened shape. The 136472 Makemake axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 136472 Makemake experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 136472 Makemake's position in space. The mean anomaly of 165.514° indicates the planet's current position in its orbit relative to its perihelion. The argument of periapsis of 294.834° shows how the orbit's orientation changes over time due to gravitational perturbations. The longitude of ascending node of 79.62° defines the reference point where the orbit crosses the ecliptic plane.

Temperature and Atmosphere

The 136472 Makemake temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 136472 Makemake average temperature of 32.0 K (-241.1 °C) (-402.1°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 136472 Makemake 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), 136472 Makemake presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being farther from the Sun than Earth, 136472 Makemake receives less solar radiation, resulting in cooler conditions. The elliptical orbit creates significant temperature variations throughout the year, with extreme seasonal changes.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The 136472 Makemake escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 136472 Makemake escape velocity of 800 m/s (14.0× smaller than Earth's escape velocity) 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 136472 Makemake to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 136472 Makemake flattening of 5.0000% indicates how much the planet's rotation affects its shape. This significant flattening indicates rapid rotation that has substantially deformed the planet's shape, creating a pronounced equatorial bulge. The equatorial radius of 745 km compared to the polar radius of 715 km demonstrates this rotational deformation.

FAQs About 136472 Makemake

What is the gravity on 136472 Makemake?

The gravity on 136472 Makemake is 0.5 m/s² (19.6× 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 3.6 kg on 136472 Makemake.

How big is 136472 Makemake compared to Earth?

136472 Makemake has a radius of 725 km, making it 8.8× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 136472 Makemake is 0.0× the size of Earth. This size difference significantly impacts the planet's gravity, atmospheric retention, geological processes, and overall planetary characteristics.

What is the average temperature of 136472 Makemake?

The average temperature of 136472 Makemake is 32.0 K (-241.1 °C) (-402.1°F). This temperature is influenced by factors such as distance from the Sun, atmospheric composition, albedo (reflectivity), and orbital eccentricity. The sub-zero temperatures mean water would exist primarily as ice.

How far is 136472 Makemake from the Sun?

136472 Makemake orbits at an average distance of 6.78e+9 km (45.344 AU) from the Sun, placing it 45.3× 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 136472 Makemake?

A year on 136472 Makemake lasts 1.31 days (279.5× 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 the escape velocity of 136472 Makemake?

The escape velocity of 136472 Makemake is 800 m/s (14.0× smaller than Earth's escape velocity). This is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from the planet's gravitational pull and enter space. The low escape velocity makes it difficult for the planet to retain an atmosphere.

What is 136472 Makemake made of?

136472 Makemake has a density of 1.4 g/cm³ (3.9× 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 136472 Makemake have seasons?

136472 Makemake 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
Michael E. Brown, Chadwick Trujillo, David L. Rabinowitz
Discovery Date
31/03/2005
Raw Data