Romulus

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2004 (87) 2

Moon
Romulus Radius

Radius of Romulus

The radius of Romulus is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Romulus radius measures approximately 10.8 km, making it 589.91× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Romulus to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Romulus 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.

Romulus Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Romulus

The Romulus semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Romulus semi-major axis measures 0.00 AU (approximately 1,351 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Romulus. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Romulus's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Romulus semi-major axis 0.00 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.

Romulus Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Romulus?

The Romulus orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Romulus orbital period is 0.00 hours, which is 8647015.97× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Romulus's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Romulus 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 Romulus from Earth?

Distance Between Romulus and Earth

How far is Romulus from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Romulus and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Romulus is approximately 1.50e+8 km(1.000 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 Romulus 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 Romulus.

The distance between Romulus and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Romulus 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
10.8km
Equatorial Radius
9km
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
1,351km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.007
Inclination
1.7°
Sidereal Orbit
0.00 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Romulus

Romulus is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Romulus radius of 10.8 km, making it 589.9× 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 1,351 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, Romulus occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Romulus demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Romulus physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Romulus radius measures 10.8 km, making it 589.9× smaller than Earth's size.

Orbital Properties

The Romulus orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Romulus orbit has a semimajor axis of 1,351 km (0.000 AU), placing it 110731.3× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Romulus orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.007 (2.4× smaller than Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The Romulus orbit takes 0.00 hours to complete (8647016.0× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 1.7° indicates how much the Romulus orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This low inclination means Romulus follows a path very close to the plane where most planets orbit, suggesting a stable formation history.

Rotation and Tilt

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

Escape Velocity & Flattening

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

How big is Romulus compared to Earth?

Romulus has a radius of 10.8 km, making it 589.9× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Romulus 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 Romulus from the Sun?

Romulus orbits at an average distance of 1,351 km (0.000 AU) from the Sun, placing it 110731.3× 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 Romulus?

A year on Romulus lasts 0.00 hours (8647016.0× 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 Romulus made of?

Romulus 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 Romulus have seasons?

Romulus 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, Jean-Luc Margot
Discovery Date
18/02/2001
Raw Data