Difference between revisions of "Laythe"

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(someone with more time than me should fix all the atmosphere stuff)
 
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{{Infobox/Body}}
 
{{Infobox/Body}}
  
−
'''Laythe''' is the first of the five [[w:Natural satellite|natural satellites]] of [[Jool]]. Although mostly covered in seas, Laythe has numerous rocky, sandy islands. Laythe is tidally locked to Jool.  Synchronous orbits around Laythe are not possible, as they would lie outside of its SOI, at a radius of 5,186,399 meters. A circular [[w:archipelago|archipelago]] prominent in surface maps of the moon suggests that Laythe suffered a massive impact in its distant past.
+
'''Laythe''' is the innermost of the five [[w:Natural satellite|natural satellites]] of [[Jool]]. Although mostly covered in [[ocean|seas]], Laythe has numerous rocky, sandy islands. Laythe is tidally locked to Jool.  Synchronous orbits around Laythe are not possible, as they would lie outside of its SOI, at a radius of 5,186,399 meters. A circular [[w:archipelago|archipelago]] prominent in surface maps of the moon suggests that Laythe suffered a massive impact in its distant past.
  
−
Achieving a stable orbit around Laythe from sea level requires a [[delta-V]] of ≈2800 m/s.
+
Achieving a stable orbit around Laythe from sea level requires a [[delta-V]] of ≈2900 m/s.
  
−
Laythe has no real-world analogue. In the real-world [[w:Jupiter|Jupiter system]], the moons [[w:Ganymede (moon)|Ganymede]], [[w:Europa (moon)|Europa]] and [[w:Io (moon)|Io]] form a group with an [[w:Orbital Resonance|orbital resonance]] just like KSP's [[Tylo]], [[Vall]] and Laythe. But while Tylo and Vall have a certain resemblance to their real-life counterparts, Laythe is very unlike the volcanic, atmosphere-less, dry Io. Instead, the presence of a liquid ocean - plus a dense atmosphere - makes Laythe more similar to the [[w:Saturn|Saturnian]] moon, [[w:Titan (moon)|Titan]]. Laythe also seems very similar to what happened to Europa in [[w:2010: Odyssey Two|2010: Odyssey Two]].
+
Laythe has no real-world analogue. In the real-world [[w:Jupiter|Jupiter system]], the moons [[w:Ganymede (moon)|Ganymede]], [[w:Europa (moon)|Europa]] and [[w:Io (moon)|Io]] form a group with an [[w:Orbital Resonance|orbital resonance]] just like KSP's [[Tylo]], [[Vall]] and Laythe. But while Tylo and Vall have a certain resemblance to their real-life counterparts, Laythe is very unlike Io, which is dry, volcanic, and only has a tenuous atmosphere. Instead, Laythe's liquid ocean and dense atmosphere invite comparison with the [[w:Saturn|Saturnian]] moon [[w:Titan (moon)|Titan]], but Laythe is 3 times warmer in absolute temperature.
  
−
Although Laythe has liquid water on its surface, the temperature there is below zero degrees Celsius. This means that Laythe's oceans must contain another compound, most likely ionic, such as salt. Surface samples indicate that much salt is present on Laythe's surface. Unlike that of [[Kerbin]], the air cannot be breathed by [[Kerbal]]s (according to EVA reports). It is therefore possible that there are also high concentrations of salt in the air, as well as on the surface, assuming that the salt is sodium chloride. The apparent toxicity of Laythe's atmosphere, despite being similar in composition to Kerbin's, may also be a reference to the film [[w:Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]] - the moon Pandora is very similar to Earth, but its atmosphere is too toxic for humans to inhale, and the moon also orbits a gas giant, like Laythe.
+
Although Laythe has liquid water on its surface, its polar regions have temperatures below zero degrees Celsius even outside its ice caps. This means Laythe's [[ocean]]s must contain another compound which reduces its freezing point, most likely ionic, such as salt. Surface samples indicate that much salt is present on Laythe's surface. According to EVA reports, the air can be breathed by [[Kerbal]]s. The air, however, does have a strange smell about it. It is therefore possible that there are also high concentrations of salt in the air, as well as on the surface, assuming that the salt is sodium chloride. The smell could also be sulfur, as Laythe is hinted to have high amounts of volcanic activity.
  
−
According to former developer NovaSilisko, Laythe was planned to have volcanic, probably [[w:Cryovolcano|cryovolcanic]], activity and high radiation levels in later versions, making it a much more hostile moon than in 0.23.<ref>[http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/showthread.php/28451-Could-Laythe-actually-exist-with-real-physics?p=349683&viewfull=1#post349683 Forumpost from NovaSilisko]</ref><ref>[http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/29807-Planet-Ideas-And-Names-For-The-Future-Of-Kerbal-Space-Program?p=447959&viewfull=1#post447959 Post from NovaSilisko]</ref>
+
== In-game description ==
  
−
== In-game Description ==
+
'''KSP 1:'''
 +
{{Quote
 +
|When Laythe was first discovered, it was not entered in the records because the scientist in charge thought he was looking at Kerbin.<br />
 +
<br />
 +
''Luckily this error was corrected when a plucky intern informed him that “telescopes don’t work that way.”''<br />
 +
<br />
 +
''The intern was shortly afterwards “promoted” and moved to the experimental rocket testing program.''
 +
|[[Kerbal Astronomical Society]]}}
  
 +
'''KSP 2:'''
 
{{Quote
 
{{Quote
 +
|Do you like gleaming oceans, sandy beaches, and breathable air? Pack your bags and take a trip to the Jewel of Jool, Laythe! The Kerbin-like atmospheric density is sure to keep you comfortable, whether you're picnicking on the shore or studying impact craters. If it ever feels too familiar, just look up to enjoy a stunning view of the resident giant green gas giant!|}}
  
−
|When Laythe was first discovered, it was not entered in the records because the scientist in charge thought he was looking at Kerbin. <br><br> Luckily this error was corrected when a plucky intern informed him that telescopes don’t work that way. <br><br> The intern was shortly afterwards promoted and moved to the experimental rocket testing program.
+
== Biomes ==
  
−
|Kerbal Astronomical Society}}
+
[[File:LaytheBiomeMap.png|thumb|none|Laythe biome map (legend)]]
  
−
== Biomes ==
+
Laythe has 10 [[biome]]s. Laythe consists primarily of a huge ocean, called The Sagen Sea, with another ocean called the DeGrasse Sea and some small Peaks, Dunes and Shores biomes. It also has a Poles biome.  
−
Laythe has 4 [[biome]]s. Laythe exists of a huge ocean, called The Sagen Sea, with some small Dunes and Shores biomes. It also has a Poles biome.
 
−
There is also a rumour of a biome called "Cresent Bay", but as of 0.90, until proven otherwise, it's not reachable.
 
  
 
=== Biome list ===
 
=== Biome list ===
Line 28: Line 35:
 
* Shores
 
* Shores
 
* Dunes
 
* Dunes
−
* The Sagen Sea}}
+
* Crescent Bay
 +
* The Sagen Sea
 +
* Crater Island
 +
* Shallows
 +
* Crater Bay
 +
* Degrasse Sea
 +
* Peaks}}
  
 
== Atmosphere ==
 
== Atmosphere ==
−
Laythe's [[atmosphere]] begins at 50,000 meters and is 40% thinner than Kerbin's. It is the only moon in the game which has an atmosphere.
+
[[File:Laythe_Atmosphere_T&P.png|thumbnail|left|Temperature and pressure of Laythe's atmosphere as a function of altitude.]]
 +
 
 +
Laythe has an [[atmosphere]] thick enough and warm enough to support liquid water on its surface.  The atmosphere has a mass of approximately 2.4×10<sup>16</sup> kilograms, a sea level pressure of 60.795 kilopascals (0.6 atmospheres), and a depth of 50,000 meters.  Compared to the atmosphere of [[Kerbin]], Laythe's atmosphere has 1/2 the mass and 3/5<sup>ths</sup> the surface pressure. The sea level pressure on Laythe is equivalent to that at an altitude of 3,287 m on Kerbin. The atmosphere contains oxygen ,can support combustion and is breathable by Kerbals. Laythe is the only moon in the game that has an atmosphere.
 +
 
 +
The average [[w:Molecular_mass|molecular weight]] of Laythe air is 28.9644 g/mol, and its [[w:Heat_capacity_ratio|adiabatic index]] is 1.40.  These values suggest a compostion very similar to Kerbin, and to [[w:Atmosphere_of_Earth|Earth]] — likely nitrogen and oxygen.
 +
 
 +
Like all other atmospheres in the game, Laythe's atmosphere fades exponentially as altitude increases.  The [[w:Scale_height|scale height]] varies with altitude.  The pressure-altitude profile is globally constant and independent of temperature.  The following table gives the atmospheric pressure at various altitudes above sea level.  
  
−
Like all other atmospheres in the game, Laythe's atmosphere fades exponentially with increasing altitude (with a scale height of 4000 m). In general, the atmospheric pressure on Laythe at an altitude expressed in meters is:<ref>A [[LV-N Atomic Rocket Motor]] has a specific impulse of 220 in 1 atm, 800 in vacuum, and the following at various Laythe altitudes:
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
| altitude (m)    ||  600 ||  1464 ||  1800 ||  2238 ||  2698 ||  3296 ||  4104 || 16435
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| specific impulse || 400.7 || 478.2 || 504.2 || 534.8 || 563.7 || 596.5 || 633.7 || 792.4
+
! Altitude (m) !! Pressure (Pa) !! Pressure (atm)
−
|}</ref>
+
|-
 +
| 0 || 60 795 || 0.600
 +
|-
 +
| 2 500 || 47 153 || 0.465
 +
|-
 +
| 5 000 || 34 495 || 0.340
 +
|-
 +
| 7 500 || 24 914 || 0.246
 +
|-
 +
| 10 000 || 17 786 || 0.176
 +
|-
 +
| 15 000 || 9 351 || 0.092
 +
|-
 +
| 20 000 || 4 782 || 0.047
 +
|-
 +
| 25 000 || 2 671 || 0.026
 +
|-
 +
| 30 000 || 1 507 || 0.015
 +
|-
 +
| 40 000 || 363.5 || 0.004
 +
|-
 +
| 50 000 || 0 || 0.000
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
The variation of temperature with height suggests the presence of an earthlike [[w:Troposphere|troposphere]], [[w:Stratosphere|stratosphere]] and [[w:Mesosphere|mesosphere]]. The warm surface temperatures rapidly decrease as the alitude increases to 5 km.  The stratospheric region, where temperature rises as altitude increases, spans the region between the altitudes of 10 km and 22 km.
 +
 
 +
Air temperatures vary with latitude and time of day.  At the equator, sea level temperatures vary between a nighttime low of 9 °C and a daytime high of 15 °C.  Mid-latitudes are only slightly cooler than the equatorial zone — at latitudes below 63°, the sea level temperature never drops below 0 °C.  At the poles, the temperature varies between -26 °C and -24 °C.  The globally averaged sea level temperature is approximately 9 °C.  Since Laythe has no axial tilt, there are no seasonal temperature variations.
  
−
:<math>p_l = 0.8\ e^{-altitude/4000}</math>
+
Laythe's surface temperatures are warmer than would be expected based on its distance from the sun.  This suggests the possibility that Laythe generates its own heat, likely [[w:Tidal_heating|tidal heating]]. It could also be caused by a higher rate of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide than on Kerbin.
  
−
With proper [[aerobraking]] near Laythe and Jool, reaching Laythe may require the least delta-V of all of Jool's moons. When approaching Jool on a Hohmann transfer orbit from Kerbin, aerobraking with a Jool periapsis of 119.5&nbsp;km will put your apoapsis roughly near Laythe's orbit.
+
=== Atmospheric flight ===
 +
The thickness of Laythe's atmosphere makes it suitable for [[aerobraking]] and the use of [[parachute]]s.
  
−
Another way is to approach Laythe directly, utilizing proper timing and making orbital adjustments on the way to Jool. Laythe's orbital period makes it an easy target to time and will have required less delta-v on arrival (only 2000&nbsp;m/s). As such, aerobraking on Laythe is less extreme than on Jool.  
+
With proper aerobraking near Laythe and Jool, reaching Laythe may require the least Δv of all of Jool's moons.  Another way is to approach Laythe directly, utilizing proper timing and making orbital adjustments on the way to Jool. Laythe's orbital period makes it an easy target to time and will have required less Δv on arrival (only 2000 m/s). As such, aerobraking on Laythe is less extreme than on Jool.  
  
−
Landing on higher points of Laythe's surface has to be done with the help of retro-burns, as parachutes alone will not suffice to sufficiently lower a craft's velocity for landing.
+
Landing on higher points of Laythe's surface has to be done with the help of retro-burns, as parachutes alone will not suffice to sufficiently lower a craft's velocity for landing.  
  
−
Jet engines work in Laythe's atmosphere due to the presence of oxygen. However, the air-intake efficiency is lower there.  
+
[[Jet engine]]s work in Laythe's atmosphere due to the presence of oxygen. However, the air-intake efficiency is lower there.
  
−
Most of Laythe's surface is ocean. There are many craters on its surface, and some of the largest features it has may be related to impacts. Other features on the surface, such as small canyons, may have been carved out by flowing water that either came up through the surface or fell as rain when the planet was warmer. <!-- where is this stated? -->
+
===Oxygen===
 +
As previously mentioned, Laythe's atmosphere contains [[w:Oxygen|oxygen]], enabling [[jet engines]] to function. Even though there is a lower concentration of oxygen than on Kerbin, plus an unknown trace gas, most likely ozone, this oxygen almost surely has to be generated somewhere on Laythe. Molecular oxygen is extremely unstable compared to other atmospheric gases, and is even capable of reacting with itself to form ozone under certain conditions. Because of this unstable molecular oxygen must constantly be replaced for it to remain in any meaningful quantity in an atmosphere. This fact, combined with Laythe's extremely high concentration of liquid water, indicates that there may be unicellular life on the moon. While it is possible that this is the case, it is also possible that the moon has a self-sustaining chemical process that constantly replenishes its oxygen reserves, such as double ionization of sulfur dioxide.<sup>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9390983/ [source]]</sup>
  
 
== Science ==
 
== Science ==
  
−
Laythe is the most [[science]]-rich body in the Joolean moon system. Even though [[Tylo]] has a slightly higher science multiplier for both surface and orbit, Laythe's atmosphere and oceans allow a lot more experiments to be performed, which means the total science output is higher.
+
Laythe is the most [[science]]-rich body in the Joolian moon system. Even though [[Tylo]] has a slightly higher science multiplier for both surface and orbit, Laythe's atmosphere and oceans allow a lot more experiments to be performed, which means the total science output is higher.
  
−
== Reference Frames ==
+
== Reference frames ==
 
{{:Laythe/RefFrame}}
 
{{:Laythe/RefFrame}}
 +
 +
== KSP2 ==
 +
=== Surface Research Locations ===
 +
 +
Surface research locations include:
 +
 +
* Heart Lake
 +
* Hills
 +
* Lakes
 +
* Ocean
 +
* Poles
 +
* Shallows
 +
* Shores
 +
* Bullseye Lake
 +
 +
=== Maps ===
 +
==== Biomes ====
 +
[[File:laythe_region_ui.jpg|thumb|none|Laythe biome map with legend (as of v0.2.1.0 (from Orbital Survay mod))]]
 +
 +
==== Visual map ====
 +
[[File:laythe_visual.png|thumb|none|Laythe visual map (as of v0.2.1.0)]]
 +
[https://i.imgur.com/Jb7fQyr.png Laythe visual map (Imgur)]
 +
[[File:laythe_visual_waterless.png|thumb|none|Laythe without water visual map (as of v0.2.1.0)]]
 +
[https://i.imgur.com/3ZEIMRY.png Laythe without water visual map (Imgur)]
 +
 +
== Trivia ==
 +
* Laythe's DeGrasse Sea and Sagen Sea are likely named after Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Carl Sagan, two famous physicists.
 +
* Laythe seems very similar to what happened to Europa in [[w:2010: Odyssey Two|2010: Odyssey Two]].
 +
* Laythe may also be a reference to the planet Damogran from the radio/tv/book/movie series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, as they are almost, but not quite, entirely not unlike one another.
 +
* According to former developer NovaSilisko, Laythe was planned to have volcanic activity and high radiation levels in later versions, making it a much more hostile moon<ref>[http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/showthread.php/28451-Could-Laythe-actually-exist-with-real-physics?p=349683&viewfull=1#post349683 Forumpost from NovaSilisko]</ref><ref>[http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/29807-Planet-Ideas-And-Names-For-The-Future-Of-Kerbal-Space-Program?p=447959&viewfull=1#post447959 Post from NovaSilisko]</ref>.
  
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
 +
=== [[Kerbal Space Program]] ===
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Mechjeb Laythe.png        | A large user-created probe in low orbit around Laythe.
 
Mechjeb Laythe.png        | A large user-created probe in low orbit around Laythe.
Line 75: Line 151:
 
TogsSpaceplace1.jpg        | User-created jet space plane on re-entry to Laythe.
 
TogsSpaceplace1.jpg        | User-created jet space plane on re-entry to Laythe.
 
Direct_Laythe_approach.jpg | A direct approach to Laythe.
 
Direct_Laythe_approach.jpg | A direct approach to Laythe.
−
SpacePlaneEscapeFromLaythe.png| A spaceplane escaping from Laythe.
 
−
SpacePlaneFlyingIntoSunsetLaythe.png| A spaceplane flying into the sunset high above Laythe.
 
 
Laythe Base grautbakken.jpg | A modular, mobile base being set up at Laythe
 
Laythe Base grautbakken.jpg | A modular, mobile base being set up at Laythe
 +
Laythe and jool.jpg        | Laythe passing Jool making them look the same size.
 +
</gallery>
 +
=== [[Kerbal Space Program 2]] ===
 +
<gallery>
 +
KSP2 Laythe Horizon.png|The horizon of Laythe in KSP2.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
== Changes ==
 
== Changes ==
−
;{{Version|1.0|}}
+
=== [[Kerbal Space Program]] ===
−
*Atmosphere reduced
+
;[[1.10]]
−
;{{Version|0.90|}}
+
* Added Low, medium and high quality terrain shaders
 +
;[[1.2]]
 
* Added biomes
 
* Added biomes
−
;{{Version|0.17|}}
+
;[[1.1]]
 +
* Atmosphere reduced
 +
;[[0.90]]
 +
* Added biomes
 +
;[[0.17]]
 +
* Initial Release
 +
 
 +
=== [[Kerbal Space Program 2]] ===
 +
;0.1.1
 +
* Fixed Laythe’s atmosphere rendering incorrectly in Map view
 +
* Fixed Laythe's Ocean appearing jagged, pixelated, and jittery after splashing down
 +
;0.1.0
 
* Initial Release
 
* Initial Release
  

Latest revision as of 14:15, 24 May 2024

Laythe
Laythe
Laythe as seen from orbit.
Moon of Jool
Orbital Characteristics
Semi-major axis 27 184 000 m [Note 1]
Apoapsis 27 184 000 m [Note 1]
Periapsis 27 184 000 m [Note 1]
Orbital eccentricity 0
Orbital inclination 0 °
Argument of periapsis 0 °
Longitude of the ascending node 0 °
Mean anomaly 3.14 rad (at 0s UT)
Sidereal orbital period 52 981 s
2 d 2 h 43 m 0.9 s
Synodic orbital period 53 007.7 s
Orbital velocity 3 224 m/s
Longest time eclipsed 3 754 s
Physical Characteristics
Equatorial radius 500 000 m
Equatorial circumference 3 141 593 m
Surface area 3.1415927×1012 m2
Mass 2.9397311×1022 kg
Standard gravitational parameter 1.9620000×1012 m3/s2
Density 56 144.728 kg/m3
Surface gravity 7.85 m/s2 (0.8 g)
Escape velocity 2 801.43 m/s
Sidereal rotation period 52 980.879 s
2 d 2 h 43 m 0.9 s
Sidereal rotational velocity 59.297 m/s
Synchronous orbit 4 686.32 km
Sphere of influence 3 723 645.8 m [Note 1]
Atmospheric Characteristics
Atmosphere present Yes
Atmospheric pressure 60.7950 kPa
0.6 atm
Atmospheric height 50 000 m
6.0×10-7 atm
Temperaturemin -74.15 °C 199 K
Temperaturemax 3.85 °C 277 K
Oxygen present Yes
Scientific multiplier
Surface 14
Splashed 12
Lower atmosphere 11
Upper atmosphere 10
Near space 9
Outer space 8
Recovery 8
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 The distances are given from the body's center, not from the surface (unlike ingame)

Laythe is the innermost of the five natural satellites of Jool. Although mostly covered in seas, Laythe has numerous rocky, sandy islands. Laythe is tidally locked to Jool. Synchronous orbits around Laythe are not possible, as they would lie outside of its SOI, at a radius of 5,186,399 meters. A circular archipelago prominent in surface maps of the moon suggests that Laythe suffered a massive impact in its distant past.

Achieving a stable orbit around Laythe from sea level requires a delta-V of ≈2900 m/s.

Laythe has no real-world analogue. In the real-world Jupiter system, the moons Ganymede, Europa and Io form a group with an orbital resonance just like KSP's Tylo, Vall and Laythe. But while Tylo and Vall have a certain resemblance to their real-life counterparts, Laythe is very unlike Io, which is dry, volcanic, and only has a tenuous atmosphere. Instead, Laythe's liquid ocean and dense atmosphere invite comparison with the Saturnian moon Titan, but Laythe is 3 times warmer in absolute temperature.

Although Laythe has liquid water on its surface, its polar regions have temperatures below zero degrees Celsius even outside its ice caps. This means Laythe's oceans must contain another compound which reduces its freezing point, most likely ionic, such as salt. Surface samples indicate that much salt is present on Laythe's surface. According to EVA reports, the air can be breathed by Kerbals. The air, however, does have a strange smell about it. It is therefore possible that there are also high concentrations of salt in the air, as well as on the surface, assuming that the salt is sodium chloride. The smell could also be sulfur, as Laythe is hinted to have high amounts of volcanic activity.

In-game description

KSP 1:

“ When Laythe was first discovered, it was not entered in the records because the scientist in charge thought he was looking at Kerbin.


Luckily this error was corrected when a plucky intern informed him that “telescopes don’t work that way.”

The intern was shortly afterwards “promoted” and moved to the experimental rocket testing program.''

— Kerbal Astronomical Society

 ”

KSP 2:

“ Do you like gleaming oceans, sandy beaches, and breathable air? Pack your bags and take a trip to the Jewel of Jool, Laythe! The Kerbin-like atmospheric density is sure to keep you comfortable, whether you're picnicking on the shore or studying impact craters. If it ever feels too familiar, just look up to enjoy a stunning view of the resident giant green gas giant! ”

Biomes

Laythe biome map (legend)

Laythe has 10 biomes. Laythe consists primarily of a huge ocean, called The Sagen Sea, with another ocean called the DeGrasse Sea and some small Peaks, Dunes and Shores biomes. It also has a Poles biome.

Biome list

Laythe In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • Poles
  • Shores
  • Dunes
  • Crescent Bay
  • The Sagen Sea
  • Crater Island
  • Shallows
  • Crater Bay
  • Degrasse Sea
  • Peaks

Atmosphere

Temperature and pressure of Laythe's atmosphere as a function of altitude.

Laythe has an atmosphere thick enough and warm enough to support liquid water on its surface. The atmosphere has a mass of approximately 2.4×1016 kilograms, a sea level pressure of 60.795 kilopascals (0.6 atmospheres), and a depth of 50,000 meters. Compared to the atmosphere of Kerbin, Laythe's atmosphere has 1/2 the mass and 3/5ths the surface pressure. The sea level pressure on Laythe is equivalent to that at an altitude of 3,287 m on Kerbin. The atmosphere contains oxygen ,can support combustion and is breathable by Kerbals. Laythe is the only moon in the game that has an atmosphere.

The average molecular weight of Laythe air is 28.9644 g/mol, and its adiabatic index is 1.40. These values suggest a compostion very similar to Kerbin, and to Earth — likely nitrogen and oxygen.

Like all other atmospheres in the game, Laythe's atmosphere fades exponentially as altitude increases. The scale height varies with altitude. The pressure-altitude profile is globally constant and independent of temperature. The following table gives the atmospheric pressure at various altitudes above sea level.

Altitude (m) Pressure (Pa) Pressure (atm)
0 60 795 0.600
2 500 47 153 0.465
5 000 34 495 0.340
7 500 24 914 0.246
10 000 17 786 0.176
15 000 9 351 0.092
20 000 4 782 0.047
25 000 2 671 0.026
30 000 1 507 0.015
40 000 363.5 0.004
50 000 0 0.000

The variation of temperature with height suggests the presence of an earthlike troposphere, stratosphere and mesosphere. The warm surface temperatures rapidly decrease as the alitude increases to 5 km. The stratospheric region, where temperature rises as altitude increases, spans the region between the altitudes of 10 km and 22 km.

Air temperatures vary with latitude and time of day. At the equator, sea level temperatures vary between a nighttime low of 9 °C and a daytime high of 15 °C. Mid-latitudes are only slightly cooler than the equatorial zone — at latitudes below 63°, the sea level temperature never drops below 0 °C. At the poles, the temperature varies between -26 °C and -24 °C. The globally averaged sea level temperature is approximately 9 °C. Since Laythe has no axial tilt, there are no seasonal temperature variations.

Laythe's surface temperatures are warmer than would be expected based on its distance from the sun. This suggests the possibility that Laythe generates its own heat, likely tidal heating. It could also be caused by a higher rate of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide than on Kerbin.

Atmospheric flight

The thickness of Laythe's atmosphere makes it suitable for aerobraking and the use of parachutes.

With proper aerobraking near Laythe and Jool, reaching Laythe may require the least Δv of all of Jool's moons. Another way is to approach Laythe directly, utilizing proper timing and making orbital adjustments on the way to Jool. Laythe's orbital period makes it an easy target to time and will have required less Δv on arrival (only 2000 m/s). As such, aerobraking on Laythe is less extreme than on Jool.

Landing on higher points of Laythe's surface has to be done with the help of retro-burns, as parachutes alone will not suffice to sufficiently lower a craft's velocity for landing.

Jet engines work in Laythe's atmosphere due to the presence of oxygen. However, the air-intake efficiency is lower there.

Oxygen

As previously mentioned, Laythe's atmosphere contains oxygen, enabling jet engines to function. Even though there is a lower concentration of oxygen than on Kerbin, plus an unknown trace gas, most likely ozone, this oxygen almost surely has to be generated somewhere on Laythe. Molecular oxygen is extremely unstable compared to other atmospheric gases, and is even capable of reacting with itself to form ozone under certain conditions. Because of this unstable molecular oxygen must constantly be replaced for it to remain in any meaningful quantity in an atmosphere. This fact, combined with Laythe's extremely high concentration of liquid water, indicates that there may be unicellular life on the moon. While it is possible that this is the case, it is also possible that the moon has a self-sustaining chemical process that constantly replenishes its oxygen reserves, such as double ionization of sulfur dioxide.[source]

Science

Laythe is the most science-rich body in the Joolian moon system. Even though Tylo has a slightly higher science multiplier for both surface and orbit, Laythe's atmosphere and oceans allow a lot more experiments to be performed, which means the total science output is higher.

Reference frames

Time warp Minimum Altitude
1× Any
5× 50 000 m (above the atmosphere)
10× 50 000 m (above the atmosphere)
50× 60 000 m
100× 120 000 m
1 000× 240 000 m
10 000× 480 000 m
100 000× 600 000 m

KSP2

Surface Research Locations

Surface research locations include:

  • Heart Lake
  • Hills
  • Lakes
  • Ocean
  • Poles
  • Shallows
  • Shores
  • Bullseye Lake

Maps

Biomes

Laythe biome map with legend (as of v0.2.1.0 (from Orbital Survay mod))

Visual map

File:Laythe visual.png
Laythe visual map (as of v0.2.1.0)

Laythe visual map (Imgur)

File:Laythe visual waterless.png
Laythe without water visual map (as of v0.2.1.0)

Laythe without water visual map (Imgur)

Trivia

  • Laythe's DeGrasse Sea and Sagen Sea are likely named after Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Carl Sagan, two famous physicists.
  • Laythe seems very similar to what happened to Europa in 2010: Odyssey Two.
  • Laythe may also be a reference to the planet Damogran from the radio/tv/book/movie series The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, as they are almost, but not quite, entirely not unlike one another.
  • According to former developer NovaSilisko, Laythe was planned to have volcanic activity and high radiation levels in later versions, making it a much more hostile moon[1][2].

Gallery

Kerbal Space Program

  • A large user-created probe in low orbit around Laythe.

  • A probe on the surface of Laythe.

  • A topographic map of Laythe made with ISA MapSat.

  • A grayscale bump map normalized at sea level.

  • A color map of Laythe

  • Vall as seen on Laythe

  • Tylo as seen on Laythe

  • Bop as seen on Laythe

  • Laythe transfer plan

  • A topographic height map of Laythe as at Version 0.18.2 made with the ISA MapSat plugin

  • Laythe's northern ice cap, with the Sun, Vall, and Tylo.

  • User-created jet flying in Laythe's atmosphere.

  • User-created jet space plane on re-entry to Laythe.

  • A direct approach to Laythe.

  • A modular, mobile base being set up at Laythe

  • Laythe passing Jool making them look the same size.

Kerbal Space Program 2

  • The horizon of Laythe in KSP2.

Changes

Kerbal Space Program

1.10
  • Added Low, medium and high quality terrain shaders
1.2
  • Added biomes
1.1
  • Atmosphere reduced
0.90
  • Added biomes
0.17
  • Initial Release

Kerbal Space Program 2

0.1.1
  • Fixed Laythe’s atmosphere rendering incorrectly in Map view
  • Fixed Laythe's Ocean appearing jagged, pixelated, and jittery after splashing down
0.1.0
  • Initial Release

Notes

  1. ↑ Forumpost from NovaSilisko
  2. ↑ Post from NovaSilisko
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