Difference between revisions of "Adrastea"
(Created page.) |
(Added Jupiter link.) |
||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | '''Adrastea''' is the second known natural satellite of Jupiter by distance and the smallest inner moon. Discovered by photos from [[Voyager 2]] in 1979, it became the first moon discovered by an interplanetary spacecraft, rather than from [[Earth]].<br> | + | '''Adrastea''' is the second known natural satellite of [[Jupiter]] by distance and the smallest inner moon. Discovered by photos from [[Voyager 2]] in 1979, it became the first moon discovered by an interplanetary spacecraft, rather than from [[Earth]].<br> |
It was known as Jupiter XV until it was named after Adasteia, the foster mother of the Greek god Zeus.<br> | It was known as Jupiter XV until it was named after Adasteia, the foster mother of the Greek god Zeus.<br> | ||
Adrastea is one of the few moons in the [[Solar System]] that orbits its planet in less than one of the planet's days. Located at the edge of Jupiter's main ring, it is thought that it contributes material to that ring. | Adrastea is one of the few moons in the [[Solar System]] that orbits its planet in less than one of the planet's days. Located at the edge of Jupiter's main ring, it is thought that it contributes material to that ring. |
Revision as of 12:31, 5 February 2017
Adrastea is the second known natural satellite of Jupiter by distance and the smallest inner moon. Discovered by photos from Voyager 2 in 1979, it became the first moon discovered by an interplanetary spacecraft, rather than from Earth.
It was known as Jupiter XV until it was named after Adasteia, the foster mother of the Greek god Zeus.
Adrastea is one of the few moons in the Solar System that orbits its planet in less than one of the planet's days. Located at the edge of Jupiter's main ring, it is thought that it contributes material to that ring.
DISCOVERY
Discovered by
Voyager 2
David C Jewitt
G Edward Danielson
Discovery date 8 July 1979
DESIGNATIONS
Adrastea
Jupiter XV
S/1979 J1
ORBITAL CHARACTERISTICS
Parent body Jupiter
Mean Orbital Radius 129000 km
Eccentricity 0.0015
Orbital period 7h9.5m (0.269826d)
Average orbital speed 31.378 km/s
Inclination 0.03° (to Jupiter's equator)
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Dimensions 20×16×14 km
Mean radius 8.2 km
Volume ≈2345 km
Rotation period synchronous
Axial tilt zero
Albedo 0.10
Surface Temperature ≈122 K
This natural satellite related article is a stub. You can help Orbiterwiki by expanding it.
|