How long does it take Phobos to orbit Mars?
7 hours 39 minutes
Phobos has an equatorial orbit, which is almost circular. It orbits once every 7 hours 39 minutes just 5989 km above the surface of Mars….Martian moons: Phobos.
| Key parameters for Phobos | |
|---|---|
| Parameter | Phobos |
| Orbital Period | 0.32 days (7 h 39 min) |
| Orbital Eccentricity | 0.015 |
| Orbital Inclination | 1.1° |
Why is Phobos special?
Phobos has the closest orbit to its primary of any moon in the solar system, but still only appears a third as wide as Earth’s full moon. Phobos orbits only 3,700 miles (6,000 km) from the Martian ground. Its surface is marred by debris that may have come from impacts on Mars.
Who discovered Phobos?
Asaph Hall
Pascal Lee
Phobos/Discoverers
What are 5 facts about Phobos?
Facts about Phobos:
- Radius of moon: 6.9 miles (11.1 km)
- Semi-major axis around Mars (distance from planet’s center): 5,826 miles (9,376 km)
- Closest approach: 5,738 miles (9,234 km)
- Farthest approach: 5,914 miles (9,518 km)
- Orbit eccentricity: 0.0151.
- Orbit inclination: 1.075 degrees.
- Time to make one orbit: 7.65 hours.
What if Phobos hit Mars?
The collision would cause Earthquakes that could be felt everywhere across the planet and it would definitely be above magnitude 10 on the Richter Scale close to the impact site. The would be a shock wave but it wouldn’t be as strong as if Phobos hit Earth as Mars’ atmosphere is only 1% that of Earth.
Is Phobos the biggest moon that orbits Mars?
Phobos is a bit larger with a 7-mile radius, but neither is considered a large moon. The orbit of Mars’ two moons is also quite fascinating. Phobos is about 5,826 miles away from Mars’ surface and orbits the planet three times every day. In fact, NASA says, “No known moon orbits closer to its planet.”
Is Phobos bigger than Deimos?
The two Martian moons were the size of asteroids, and Phobos was only 7.24 times bigger than Deimos. Hall decided to name the moons for the sons of Ares, the mythological Greek god of War. Mars is the Roman god of war. Phobos means panic or fear, and we are familiar with the use of the word in “phobia.”.
Can Phobos be seen from Mars?
From the surface of Mars, Phobos can be seen eclipsing the Sun. However, it is so tiny that it doesn’t completely cover our host star. Transits of Phobos across the Sun have been photographed by several Mars-faring spacecraft. The origin of Phobos and Deimos is still being debated.
Is Phobos a captured Moon?
Three new views of the Martian moon Phobos have been captured by NASA’s Odyssey orbiter. Taken this past winter and this spring, they capture the moon as it drifts into and out of Mars’ shadow.