DAX

Introduction

DAX is the only satellite of the human-colonised planet of CRETAK. The two bodies form the CRETAK-DAX system.

Etymology

TBD

Formation & Physical Characteristics

1.249 M_luna
9.180 x 10²² kg
1.074 ρ_luna
3.587 g/cm³
1.052 R_luna
1.827.09 km
0.187 g
1.833 m/s²
1.090 V_luna
2.594 km/s
11.707º (to orbital plane)
0.136 (Bond)
0.113 (Geometric)
258 K
-15 ºC
-12.12 (apparent)
-1.56 (absolute)
0.83 d_luna
0.415º
24.9 minutes of arc

DAX is a substantial major satellite. Its mass, radius, density, and gravity are higher than those of any other moon in the AZAN SYSTEM. It has a magnetic field and an atmosphere, though both are extremely tenuous. The moon’s surface is marked by a moderate amount of impact craters, dormant shield volcanoes, and volcanic domes. It plays an important role in regulating CRETAK’s climate by stabilising its axial tilt. It is thought that DAX formed long ago as a result of a collision between CRETAK and another proto-planetary object.

Orbital & Rotational Characteristics

DAX orbits CRETAK at a mean distance of 488,270 km, taking 31.75 local days to complete a full cycle (new moon to new moon), also known as a moon month. DAX is tidally locked to CRETAK, therefore its rotational period about its axis is equivalent to its orbital period, both of which are 31.75 local days in duration. DAX raises moderate, though appreciable, tides on CRETAK. When viewed from the surface of CRETAK, the apparent size of the moon is about 14% larger than the apparent size of the parent star, AZAN. This allows CRETAK to experience both total and annular solar eclipses. At full moon, the moon is 0.60 times as bright as Luna.

488,270 km
0.012
486,805.19 km
489,734.81 km
4.031º (to the ecliptic)
Sidereal: 28.692 d_Earth (30.20 local days)
Synodic: 30.057 d_Earth (31.75 local days)
Sidereal: 28.692 d_Earth (30.20 local days)
Synodic: 30.057 d_Earth (31.75 local days)
CRETAK