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The orbital period of Phobos, the larger and innermost moon of Mars, is approximately 7 hours and 39 minutes. This means that it completes one orbit around Mars in that amount of time.
The orbital period of Phobos is determined by studying its motion around Mars and using mathematical equations to calculate the time it takes for one full orbit. This data is then confirmed through observations and measurements taken by spacecraft.
No, the orbital period of Phobos is not constant. It is gradually decreasing at a rate of about 1.8 cm per year due to tidal forces between Phobos and Mars. This means that Phobos is slowly moving closer to Mars and its orbital period is shortening.
The orbital period of Phobos is relatively short compared to other moons in our solar system. For example, our Moon has an orbital period of about 27 days, while Jupiter's moon Europa has an orbital period of 3.5 days. Phobos' orbit is also very close to its planet, with a distance of only about 9,378 km from the center of Mars.
Yes, the orbital period of Phobos can continue to decrease in the future as it moves closer to Mars. Scientists predict that in about 50 million years, Phobos will either crash into Mars or break apart due to the tidal forces. This process is known as "orbital decay".
