Tal | ||
Tal as seen from orbit. | ||
Moon of Wal | ||
Orbital Characteristics | ||
Semi-major axis | 3 109 163 m [Note 1] | |
Apoapsis | 3 109 163 m [Note 1] | |
Periapsis | 3 109 163 m [Note 1] | |
Orbital eccentricity | 0 | |
Orbital inclination | 1.9 ° | |
Argument of periapsis | 0 ° | |
Longitude of the ascending node | 40 ° | |
Mean anomaly | 0 rad (at 0s UT) | |
Sidereal orbital period | 48 875 s | |
2 d 1 h 34 m 34.5 s | ||
Synodic orbital period | 51 361.3 s | |
Orbital velocity | 400 m/s | |
Longest time eclipsed | 1 856 s | |
Physical Characteristics | ||
Equatorial radius | 22 000 m | |
Equatorial circumference | 138 230 m | |
Surface area | 6.0821234×109 m2 | |
Mass | 3.2002739×1018 kg | |
Standard gravitational parameter | 2.1358884×108 m3/s2 | |
Density | 71 751.418 kg/m3 | |
Surface gravity | 0.441 m/s2 (0.045 g) | |
Escape velocity | 139.35 m/s | |
Sidereal rotation period | 48 874.483 s | |
2 d 1 h 34 m 34.5 s | ||
Sidereal rotational velocity | 2.8283 m/s | |
Synchronous orbit | 212.67 km | |
Sphere of influence | 139 966.65 m [Note 1] | |
Atmospheric Characteristics | ||
Atmosphere present | × No | |
Scientific multiplier | ||
Surface | 13 | |
Splashed | N/A | |
Near space | 10 | |
Outer space | 9 | |
Recovery | 9 | |
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Tal is a sub-satellite of Wal, which is a moon of Urlum. Tal is unique in that it orbits a moon of a planet of a star; the sole great-grandchild of Kerbol.
In-Game Description[]
“ | Tal is what astronomer's call a sub-satellite. While generally these moons of moons are impossible due to too small spheres of influence, Wal's distant orbit from the ice giant Urlum allowed Tal to maintain a stable orbit. Tal's albedo indicates it is composed of metals, ice or both. — Kerbal Astronomical Society |
” |
Physical Properties[]
Tal is immediately recognizable as having a shiny, golden surface. This indicates high traces of metal, probably gold, mixed with ice.
A faint magnetic field is detected around Tal, possibly indicating either a warmed core or magnetically charged metals within the composition of the moon.
The moon is extremely dense, more so than Kerbin, which further suggests the presence of a heavy metal in its composition, like gold. Assuming this, the internal structure could be estimated: an iron core, around 2 km in radius; a rocky mantle, 2.2 km thick; and the remaining 17.6 km of its composition could be ice mixed with gold, at a ratio of roughly 35% gold, 45% ice.
Orbit[]
Tal is the only sub-satellite seen in the game. It orbits Wal, and they both orbit Urlum.
It could be speculated, based on its visual appearance and relationship with Wal, that the two bodies were combined as one but separated by a catastrophic impact. This may explain the patch-work look of Wal and the golden color of both moons.
Biomes[]
Tal only has a total of 2 biomes.
Biome list[]
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Reference Frames[]
Time warp | Minimum Altitude |
---|---|
1× | Any |
5× | 1 238 m |
10× | 2 475 m |
50× | 4 950 m |
100× | 9 900 m |
1 000× | 19 800 m |
10 000× | 39 600 m |
100 000× | 79 200 m |