Moho

Moho/Data

Moho is the innermost planet of the Kerbol star system and the Mercury analogue for Kerbal Space Program. It resembles Dres and Eeloo by lacking an atmosphere or natural satellites. As of 0.18, it is no longer tidally locked to Kerbol.

Moho's slightly inclined and eccentric orbit, lack of atmosphere (for aerobraking) and moons (for gravity assists) impede encountering and orbital capture.

Naming

Moho is also the name for the outermost layer of molten rock that makes up the mantle (that layer was the target of Project Mohole). It may have been named by Kerbal astronomers who, according to its in-game description, believed it to be flowing with rivers and oceans of lava.

Topography

Moho's surface ranges from light brown highlands to dark brown Maria. Its heavy cratering, though less than that of the moons of Kerbin and Jool, suggests erosion. Tidal friction with Kerbol most likely causes airless Moho's erosion by inducing volcanic periods that fill craters(citation needed). The volcanism of Moho being removed in 0.18 proves that Moho's volcanism is periodic because Moho's volcanism — which likely occurs on a geological timescale — must have been discovered just before Moho stopped being volcanic.

Moho has two very deep wells at its geographic north and south poles. Current analysis and probe exploration have revealed the north crater to be more than five kilometers deep; however, the probe crashed into the ever narrowing canyon walls before reaching the very bottom. A set of three probes was then sent to properly determine the depth to within 100 meters. The final analysis found the depth of the northern well to be around 4.6km deep after the final probe reached the very bottom intact.^[1] These wells may be dormant volcanic tubes. Further analysis of the canyon walls is needed for a final answer. These holes, often called Moholes, may be a reference to Project Mohole.

Orbital Statistics

Mohosynchronous and semi-synchronous orbits are impossible — they would require altitudes of 18 182.08 km and 11 361.48 km respectively, both of which are beyond Moho's sphere of influence.

Reference Frames

Time warp	Minimum Altitude
1×	Any
5×	10 000 m
10×	10 000 m
50×	30 000 m
100×	50 000 m
1 000×	100 000 m
10 000×	200 000 m
100 000×	300 000 m

Solar System Counterpart

It appears that Moho is the Kerbol System analog of the planet Mercury. Both share a similar cratered landscape, like most bodies with little to no atmosphere. Both planets are also the closest ones to their respective stars and are lacking of natural satellites. On the other hand Moho has a brown texture, but Mercury is grey to dark grey. In addition, Mercury has at least very tenuous atmosphere of about 10⁻¹³ kPa while Moho has no atmosphere. Although a pressure of only 10⁻¹³ kPa (≃ 10⁻¹⁵ atm) wouldn't be measureable by the PresMat Barometer.

Gallery

A topographic height map of Moho as at Version 0.18.2 made with the ISA MapSat plugin.
A successful landing at Moho pre-0.18. Note the engines still overheating.
A Probe wedged in the 5km deep lava well at the north pole.
A probe performing a Moho flyby.
Bill Kerman having the time of his life wedged in the northern hole