Is circumnavigation possible on Phobos or Deimos?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter megamind
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SUMMARY

Circumnavigation is indeed possible on Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos, despite their irregular shapes and insufficient mass to achieve a spherical form. An astronaut can walk around the surface of either moon and return to their starting point, demonstrating that the lack of a perfect sphere does not impede the ability to circumnavigate. This principle applies similarly to other celestial bodies, including Earth, which is also not a perfect sphere.

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  • Understanding of celestial mechanics
  • Familiarity with the physical characteristics of Phobos and Deimos
  • Basic knowledge of planetary geology
  • Awareness of astronautical navigation principles
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  • Research the physical characteristics of Phobos and Deimos
  • Explore the principles of celestial mechanics and their implications for navigation
  • Study the effects of low gravity on movement and circumnavigation
  • Investigate the geological features of irregular celestial bodies
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Astronauts, planetary scientists, and educators interested in the navigation and exploration of irregular celestial bodies.

megamind
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I know that Mar's moon's, Phobos and Deimos, do not have enough mass to be round, but does this mean that if an astronaut was on the surface of either of the two, they could not circumnavigate it? Is it possible to circumnavigate an astronomical body that is not completely spherical?
 
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Of course. Just start walking until you go all the way around the moon's surface and are back where you started.
 
megamind said:
I know that Mar's moon's, Phobos and Deimos, do not have enough mass to be round, but does this mean that if an astronaut was on the surface of either of the two, they could not circumnavigate it? Is it possible to circumnavigate an astronomical body that is not completely spherical?

It definitely is possible. You can circumnavigate the Earth and it is not completely spherical.
 

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