Moon of Pluto
Nix
Nix is a moon. It orbits Pluto. It is about 39 km across – about as wide as Switzerland. Nix (around 50 x 35 x 33 km) tumbles chaotically – like all of Pluto's small moons, which are tugged to and fro by Pluto and Charon together.
Fact file
- Type
- Moon of Pluto
- Diameter
- 39 km
- Distance from Pluto
- 48,694 km
- Orbital period
- 24.9 days
- Temperature
- -229 °C on average
Nix orbits Pluto.
Interesting facts about Nix
- Nix (around 50 x 35 x 33 km) tumbles chaotically – like all of Pluto's small moons, which are tugged to and fro by Pluto and Charon together.
- New Horizons discovered a reddish patch on Nix, probably a crater.
- Nix and Hydra begin with N and H – a nod to the New Horizons mission.
Frequently asked questions about Nix
How big is Nix?
Nix has a diameter of 39 km. That is about 1.1% of the diameter of our Moon.
How far is Nix from Pluto?
Nix orbits Pluto at an average distance of 48,694 km.
How long does Nix take to orbit Pluto?
Nix orbits Pluto once every 24.9 days.
How cold or warm is it on Nix?
On Nix the average temperature is −229 °C.
Formation
Like the other small moons, probably made of debris from the Charon impact.
Atmosphere
No atmosphere.
Exploration
Discovered in 2005 with the Hubble telescope, together with Hydra. Photographed in 2015 by New Horizons.
Compared with Earth
Named after Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night.
Other moons of Pluto
This site is free and has no banner ads. Here is how you can support it