4 Vesta

Asteroid
Dimensions:560x544x454
4 Vesta Radius

Radius of 4 Vesta

The radius of 4 Vesta is one of its most fundamental physical characteristics. The 4 Vesta radius measures approximately 265 km, making it 24.04× smaller than Earth. This measurement represents the average distance from the center of 4 Vesta to its surface, providing crucial information about the celestial body's size and volume.

Understanding the 4 Vesta 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.

4 Vesta Semi-Major Axis

Orbital Radius of 4 Vesta

The 4 Vesta semi-major axis is a critical orbital parameter that defines the average distance from the Sun. The 4 Vesta semi-major axis measures 2.36 AU (approximately 3.53e+8 km), which represents the average orbital radius of 4 Vesta. This measurement is fundamental to understanding 4 Vesta's position in the Solar System and its relationship with other celestial bodies.

The orbital radius of 4 Vesta determines how much solar radiation the planet receives, which directly influences its temperature, climate, and overall environmental conditions. This distance places 4 Vesta in a specific region of the Solar System, each with unique characteristics and scientific significance.

When we examine the 4 Vesta semi-major axis 2.36 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.

4 Vesta Mass

Mass of 4 Vesta in kg

The 4 Vesta mass is a fundamental property that determines many of the planet's physical characteristics. The mass of 4 Vesta in kg is approximately 2.70e+20 kg, which is 22118.52× less than Earth's mass. This substantial mass creates a significant gravitational field that influences everything from atmospheric retention to orbital dynamics.

Understanding the 4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta interacts with other celestial bodies through gravitational forces.

The precise measurement of the mass of 4 Vesta 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 understand4 Vesta's formation history and its place in the evolution of our Solar System.

4 Vesta Orbital Period

How Long is a Year on 4 Vesta?

The 4 Vesta orbital period defines the length of one complete revolution around the Sun. The 4 Vesta orbital period is 0.37 hours, which is 23801.56× shorter than Earth's year. This orbital period determines the length of 4 Vesta's year and directly influences seasonal patterns, climate cycles, and temperature variations.

The 4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta takes the time it does to complete one full orbit.

Understanding the 4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta from Earth?

Distance Between 4 Vesta and Earth

How far is 4 Vesta from Earth? This is a question that fascinates both astronomers and space enthusiasts. The distance between 4 Vesta and Earth varies throughout their orbital cycles, but on average, 4 Vesta is approximately 2.04e+8 km(1.362 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 4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta.

The distance between 4 Vesta and Earth is not constant due to the elliptical nature of both planets' orbits. When 4 Vesta 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
265km
Equatorial Radius
265km
Polar Radius
0km
Mass
2.70e+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
3.53e+8km
Perihelion
3.22e+8km
Aphelion
3.85e+8km
Eccentricity
0.089
Inclination
7.134°
Sidereal Orbit
0.37 hours
Sidereal Rotation
0 seconds
Mean Anomaly
0°
Argument of Periapsis
0°
Longitude of Ascending Node
0°

Overview of 4 Vesta

4 Vesta is a fascinating asteroid in our Solar System that has captured the attention of astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. With a 4 Vesta radius of 265 km, making it 24.0× 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 3.53e+8 km (2.362 AU) from the Sun, 4 Vesta occupies a significant place in the Solar System's architecture. As an asteroid, 4 Vesta represents the remnants of the early Solar System, providing valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our cosmic neighborhood.

Physical Characteristics

The 4 Vesta physical characteristics reveal a world of remarkable dimensions and properties. The 4 Vesta radius measures 265 km, making it 24.0× smaller than Earth's size. The 4 Vesta mass of 2.70e+20 kg represents 22118.5× smaller than Earth's mass, giving this world substantial gravitational influence.

Orbital Properties

The 4 Vesta orbit reveals fascinating details about its journey around the Sun and its relationship to other Solar System objects. The 4 Vesta orbit has a semimajor axis of 3.53e+8 km (2.362 AU), placing it 2.4× Earth's distance from the Sun. At its closest approach (perihelion), 4 Vesta comes within 3.22e+8 km of the Sun, while at its farthest point (aphelion), it reaches 3.85e+8 km, creating a 17.9% variation in solar distance. The 4 Vesta orbit is nearly circular with an eccentricity of 0.089 (5.3× Earth's orbital eccentricity), resulting in relatively stable solar heating throughout its year. The 4 Vesta orbit takes 0.37 hours to complete (23801.6× smaller than Earth's orbital period), defining the length of its year. The orbital inclination of 7.134° indicates how much the 4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta rotation and axial orientation provide crucial insights into its daily and seasonal cycles, as well as its orbital dynamics. The 4 Vesta axial tilt of 0° determines the intensity and nature of seasonal variations. With minimal axial tilt, 4 Vesta experiences virtually no seasonal changes, maintaining relatively constant temperatures throughout its year. The orbital orientation parameters reveal additional details about 4 Vesta'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 4 Vesta temperature and atmospheric conditions are fundamental to understanding its habitability and environmental characteristics. The 4 Vesta average temperature of 0.0 K (-273.1 °C) (-459.7°F) provides the baseline for understanding its climate. These extremely cold temperatures make 4 Vesta 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), 4 Vesta presents a dramatically different thermal environment. Being farther from the Sun than Earth, 4 Vesta receives less solar radiation, resulting in cooler conditions.

Escape Velocity & Flattening

The 4 Vesta escape velocity and shape characteristics reveal important details about its gravitational field and rotational dynamics. The 4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta to retain a substantial atmosphere. The 4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta

How big is 4 Vesta compared to Earth?

4 Vesta has a radius of 265 km, making it 24.0× smaller than Earth's size. In terms of volume, 4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta from the Sun?

4 Vesta orbits at an average distance of 3.53e+8 km (2.362 AU) from the Sun, placing it 2.4× 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 4 Vesta?

A year on 4 Vesta lasts 0.37 hours (23801.6× 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 4 Vesta made of?

4 Vesta 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 4 Vesta have seasons?

4 Vesta 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
H. W. Olbers
Discovery Date
29/03/1807
Raw Data