Psamathe (moon)

Psamathe
Discovery [1][2]
Discovered by
Discovered 2003
Mean Orbital elements [3]
Epoch June 10, 2003
Semi-major axis 48.096 Gm
Eccentricity 0.3809
Inclination 126.312° *
Orbital period -9074.30 d
(24.84 a)
Physical characteristics
Mean diameter 38 km[4][5] **
Albedo 0.04 assumed[4]

*to the ecliptic

**based on the albedo

Psamathe (/ˈsæməθiː/ SAM-ə-thee; Latin: Psamathē; Greek: Ψαμάθη), also known as Neptune X, is a retrograde irregular satellite of Neptune. It is named after Psamathe, one of the Nereids. Psamathe was discovered by Scott S. Sheppard and David C. Jewitt in 2003 using the 8.2 meter Subaru telescope.[4] Before the announcement of its name on February 3, 2007 (IAUC 8802), it was known by the provisional designation S/2003 N 1.[6]

Psamathe is about 38 kilometers in diameter. It orbits Neptune at a distance of about 46,695,000 km and requires almost 25 Earth years to make one orbit. The orbit of this satellite is close to the theoretical stable separation from Neptune for a body in a retrograde orbit. Given the similarity of Psamathe's orbital parameters with Neso (S/2002 N 4), it was suggested that both irregular satellites could have a common origin in the break-up of a larger moon.[4] Both are further from their primary than any other known moon in the Solar System.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ JPL (2011-07-21). "Planetary Satellite Discovery Circumstances". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2011-10-24.
  2. ↑ Green, Daniel W. E. (September 3, 2003). "Satellites of Neptune". IAU Circular 8193. Retrieved 2011-10-24.
  3. ↑ Jacobson, R. A. (2008). "NEP078 - JPL satellite ephemeris". Planetary Satellite Mean Orbital Parameters. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Sheppard, Scott S.; Jewitt, David C.; Kleyna, Jan (2006). "A Survey for "Normal" Irregular Satellites around Neptune: Limits to Completeness". The Astronomical Journal 132: 171–176. arXiv:astro-ph/0604552. Bibcode:2006AJ....132..171S. doi:10.1086/504799.
  5. ↑ Sheppard, Scott S.. "Neptune's Known Satellites". Department of Terrestrial Magnetism (Carnegie Institution of Washington). Retrieved 2008-12-13.
  6. ↑ Marsden, Brian G. (2003). "MPEC 2003-R19 : S/2003 N 1". Minor Planet Center, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Retrieved 2011-01-08.
  7. ↑ Schmude, Richard, Jr. (2008). Uranus, Neptune, Pluto and How to Observe Them. Springer. p. 106. ISBN 0-387-76601-4.

External links

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