Psamafa ( Greek: Ψαμάθη ) is an irregular satellite of the planet Neptune with reverse orbital revolution. Named after one of the Nereids from Greek mythology . Also referred to as Neptune X [3] .
| Discovery Information | |
|---|---|
| opening date | August 29, 2003 |
| Discoverers | S. Sheppard , D. Jwitt , Jan Klein [1] |
| Orbital characteristics | |
| Age : 2003-06-10 | |
| Semimajor axis | 46 695 000 km [2] |
| Eccentricity | 0.45 [2] |
| Circulation period | 9115.9 d [2] |
| Mood | 137 ° (to the ecliptic ) [2] |
| Satellite | Neptune |
| physical characteristics | |
| Dimensions | 40 km [2] (estimate) |
| Average density | 1.5 g / cm 3 (estimated) |
| Albedo | 0.04 (estimated) |
Discovery History
The psamafa was discovered by Scott Sheppard , David Jewett , Ian Kleina as a result of observations on August 29 and 30, 2003 . The satellite received the provisional designation S / 2003 N 1 [4] . The proper name was assigned on February 3, 2007 [5] .
Features
In its orbital parameters, Psamafa has a close resemblance to Neso . These two satellites may be fragments of an earlier larger satellite [2] . The satellite’s orbit is comparable in size to heliocentric orbits: in the apoposeidia it is 67.7 million km away from Neptune, while Mercury in aphelion is 70 million km away from the Sun. But the satellite’s circulation period is almost exactly 25 years.
Notes
- ↑ Planetary Satellite Discovery Circumstances . JPL / NASA. Date of treatment August 7, 2008. Archived on August 25, 2011.
- ↑ 1 2 3 4 5 6 S. Sheppard; D. Jewitt; J. Kleyna. A Survey for “Normal” Irregular Satellites Around Neptune: Limits to Completeness // The Astronomical Journal : journal. - IOP Publishing , 2006. - Vol. 132 . - P. 171-176 .
- ↑ Planet and Satellite Names and Discoverers . Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature . USGS Astrogeology. Date of treatment August 7, 2006. Archived August 17, 2011.
- ↑ IAU Circular No. 8193 (inaccessible link - history ) (September 3, 2003). Date of treatment August 7, 2008.
- ↑ IAU Circular No. 8802 (inaccessible link - history ) (February 3, 2007). Date of treatment November 17, 2008. (unavailable link)