DAX
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DAX is the only satellite of the human-colonised planet of CRETAK. The two bodies form the CRETAK-DAX system.
| Physical Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Mass | 1.249 Mluna
9.180 X 1022 kg |
| Density | 1.074 ρluna
3.587 g/cm3 |
| Radius | 1.052 Rluna
1827.09 km |
| Gravity | 0.187 g
1.833 m/s2 |
| Escape Velocity | 1.090 Vluna
2.594 km/s |
| Axial Tilt | 11.707° (to orbital plane) |
| Albedo | 0.136 (Bond)
0.113 (Geometric) |
| Temperature (Avg.) | 258 K
-15°C |
| Magnitude (full moon) | -12.12 (apparent)
-1.56 (absolute) |
| Apparent Diameter | 0.83 dluna
0.415° 24.9 minutes of arc |
Formation
It is thought that DAX formed long ago as a result of a collision between CRETAK and another proto-planetary object.
Physical Characteristics
DAX is a substantial major satellite. Its mass, radius, density, and gravity are higher than those of any other moon in the AZANI 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.
| Orbital Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Semi-Major Axis | 488,270 km |
| Eccentricity | 0.003 |
| Periapsis | 486,805.19 km |
| Apoapsis | 489,734.81 km |
| Inclination | 4.031° (to the ecliptic) |
| Orbital Period | Sidereal:
28.692 Earth days (30.20 Local days) Synodic: 30.057 Earth days (31.75 Local days) |
| Rotational Period | Sidereal:
28.692 Earth days 30.20 Local days Synodic: 30.057 Earth days 31.75 Local days |
| Satellite of | CRETAK |
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.