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Encyclopedia > Mars > Satellites> Phobos

PHOBOS : SATELLITE I OF MARS



Credit : NASA


Phobos is much like an asteroid: it is essentially made ​​of carbon compounds and water. 

Characteristics Values
Distance to Mars  9 380 km 
Average size   18x22x26 km 
Visual magnitude  11.6 
Revolution period 7h 40m
Orbital velocity 2 km/s
Inclination of the orbit
on Mars' equator
Orbit eccentricity 0.015
Mass (Mars=1) 2/10000000
Density (Water=1) 2.2
Escape velocity 10 m/s
Reflectivity (geometric albedo) 0.06


Origin of name : click here.

Click here for an animation showing the rotation of Phobos.
Credit : NASA.