Valetudo

Alternative name: Also known as: S/2016 J 2

Moon
Valetudo Radius

Radius of Valetudo

The radius of Valetudo is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The Valetudo radius measures approximately 0.5 km, making it 12742.00× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of Valetudo to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the Valetudo 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.

Valetudo Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of Valetudo

The Valetudo semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The Valetudo semi-major axis measures 0.13 AU (approximately 1.89e+7 km), which represents the average orbital radius of Valetudo. This measurement is fundamental to understanding Valetudo's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

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

When we examine the Valetudo semi-major axis 0.13 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.

Valetudo Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on Valetudo?

The Valetudo orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The Valetudo orbital period is 0.15 hours, which is 59208.54× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of Valetudo's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

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

Understanding the Valetudo 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 Valetudo from Earth?

Distance Between Valetudo and Earth

How far is Valetudo from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between Valetudo and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, Valetudo is approximately 1.31e+8 km(0.873 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 Valetudo 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 Valetudo.

The distance between Valetudo and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When Valetudo 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
0.5km
Equatorial Radius
1km
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
1.89e+7km
Perihelion
0km
Aphelion
0km
Eccentricity
0.222
Inclination
34°
Sidereal Orbit
0.15 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of Valetudo

Valetudo is a fascinating moon in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a Valetudo radius of 0.5 km, making it 12742.0× 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 1.89e+7 km (0.127 AU) from the Sun, Valetudo occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As a moon, Valetudo demonstrates the incredible diversity of natural satellites that orbit larger celestial bodies throughout our Solar System.

Physical Characteristics

The Valetudo physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The Valetudo radius measures 0.5 km, making it 12742.0× smaller than Earth's size.

Orbital Properties

The Valetudo orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The Valetudo orbit has a semimajor axis of 1.89e+7 km (0.127 AU), placing it 7.9× smaller than Earth's distance from the Sun. The Valetudo orbit is moderately elliptical with an eccentricity of 0.222 (13.3× Earth's orbital eccentricity), creating noticeable seasonal variations in solar radiation. The Valetudo orbit takes 0.15 hours to complete (59208.5× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 34° indicates how much the Valetudo orbit is tilted relative to the Solar System's ecliptic plane. This high inclination suggests Valetudo may have experienced significant gravitational perturbations or formed in a different region of the Solar System.

Rotation and Tilt

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

How big is Valetudo compared to Earth?

Valetudo has a radius of 0.5 km, making it 12742.0× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, Valetudo 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 Valetudo from the Sun?

Valetudo orbits at an average distance of 1.89e+7 km (0.127 AU) from the Sun, placing it 7.9× 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 Valetudo?

A year on Valetudo lasts 0.15 hours (59208.5× 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 Valetudo made of?

Valetudo 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 Valetudo have seasons?

Valetudo 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
Scott Sheppard
Discovery Date
17/07/2018
Raw Data