90482 Orcus

Alternative name: Also known as: 2004 DW

Asteroid
90482 Orcus Radius

Radius of 90482 Orcus

The radius of 90482 Orcus is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The 90482 Orcus radius measures approximately 473 km, making it 13.47× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of 90482 Orcus to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the 90482 Orcus 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.

90482 Orcus Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of 90482 Orcus

The 90482 Orcus semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The 90482 Orcus semi-major axis measures 39.19 AU (approximately 5.86e+9 km), which represents the average orbital radius of 90482 Orcus. This measurement is fundamental to understanding 90482 Orcus's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

The orbital radius of 90482 Orcus determines how much solar radiation the planet receives, which directly influences its temperature, climate, and overall environmental conditions. This distance places 90482 Orcus in a specific region of the Solar System, each with unique characteristics and scientific significance.

When we examine the 90482 Orcus semi-major axis 39.19 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.

90482 Orcus Mass

Mass of 90482 Orcus in kg

The 90482 Orcus mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of 90482 Orcus in kg is approximately 7.00e+20 kg, which is 8531.43× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

Understanding the 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

The precise measurement of the mass of 90482 Orcus 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 understand90482 Orcus's formation history and its place in the evolution of our Solar System.

90482 Orcus Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on 90482 Orcus?

The 90482 Orcus orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The 90482 Orcus orbital period is 1.04 days, which is 352.19× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of 90482 Orcus's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

The 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus takes the time it does to complete one full orbit.

Understanding the 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus from Earth?

Distance Between 90482 Orcus and Earth

How far is 90482 Orcus from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between 90482 Orcus and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, 90482 Orcus is approximately 5.71e+9 km(38.188 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 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus.

The distance between 90482 Orcus and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When 90482 Orcus 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
473km
Equatorial Radius
470km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
7.00e+20 kg
Volume
0.00e+0 km³
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
5.86e+9km
Perihelion
4.54e+9km
Aphelion
7.19e+9km
Eccentricity
0.226
Inclination
20.593°
Sidereal Orbit
1.04 days
Sidereal Rotation
0.00 hours
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of 90482 Orcus

90482 Orcus is a fascinating asteroid in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 90482 Orcus radius of 473 km, making it 13.5× 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 5.86e+9 km (39.188 AU) from the Sun, 90482 Orcus occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As an asteroid, 90482 Orcus represents the remnants of the early Solar System, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our cosmic neighborhood.

Physical Characteristics

The 90482 Orcus physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 90482 Orcus radius measures 473 km, making it 13.5× smaller than Earth's size. The 90482 Orcus mass of 7.00e+20 kg represents 8531.4× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The 90482 Orcus orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 90482 Orcus orbit has a semimajor axis of 5.86e+9 km (39.188 AU), placing it 39.2× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 90482 Orcus comes within 4.54e+9 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 7.19e+9 km, creating a 45.2% variation in solar distance. The 90482 Orcus orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.226 (13.5× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The 90482 Orcus orbit takes 1.04 days to complete (352.2× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 20.593° indicates how much the 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 90482 Orcus rotation period of 0.00 hours (8548.0× 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 90482 Orcus axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 90482 Orcus experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 90482 Orcus'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 90482 Orcus temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 90482 Orcus average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 90482 Orcus 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), 90482 Orcus presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being farther from the Sun than Earth, 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus

How big is 90482 Orcus compared to Earth?

90482 Orcus has a radius of 473 km, making it 13.5× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus from the Sun?

90482 Orcus orbits at an average distance of 5.86e+9 km (39.188 AU) from the Sun, placing it 39.2× 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 90482 Orcus?

A year on 90482 Orcus lasts 1.04 days (352.2× 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 90482 Orcus made of?

90482 Orcus 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 90482 Orcus have seasons?

90482 Orcus 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
17/02/2004
Raw Data