Difference between revisions of "Moho"

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{{:Moho/Data}}
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{{Infobox/Body}}
  
'''Moho''' is the innermost planet of the [[Kerbol]] star system and the [[w:Mercury (planet)|Mercury]] analogue for Kerbal Space Program. It is similar to [[Dres]] and [[Eeloo]] in that it has no atmosphere and no natural satellites. As of 0.18, it is no longer [[w:Tidal locking|tidally locked]] to Kerbol.
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'''Moho''' is the third-smallest planet and the one closest to [[Kerbol]], with an orbital period of 102 days, the shortest in the [[Kerbol System|Kerbol system]], and an orbital velocity ranging from 12-18km/s, is also the fastest [[celestial body]] in [[Kerbal Space Program]]. It is the [[w:Mercury (planet)|Mercury]] analogue. Moho lacks an [[atmosphere]] and natural satellites. The planet gets its name from the [[w:Mohorovičić discontinuity|''Moho''rovičić discontinuity]], the boundary between the [[w:Earth|Earth]]'s crust and mantle.
  
Moho has a slightly eccentric and inclined orbit, making it hard to reach. Furthermore, its lack of atmosphere (for [[aerobraking]]) and moons (for [[Tutorial: Gravity Assist|gravity assist]]s) make it difficult to stop upon reaching it. These factors make a mission to Moho quite challenging.
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Moho's inclined, low, and eccentric [[orbit]] and lack of atmosphere or moons (for [[aerobraking]] and [[Tutorial: Gravity Assist|gravity assist]]s, respectively) make [[encountering]] the planet relatively difficult.  Without an atmosphere to retain or block heat, Moho's daytime surface temperatures can exceed 300°C, making [[radiator]]s an absolute necessity if any [[part]] (such as drills or engines) must be cool to operate both safely and effectively. Moho rotates very slowly, its solar day being over 100 times longer than Kerbin's, which means that reconnaissance satellites will likely wait a long time between targets, but it also means that there may be several opportunities to perform individual measurements across multiple orbits.  Although Moho's close proximity to the sun increases solar panel output to 10.4x that of Kerbin's at periapsis, excessive heat can cause cooling issues for mining operations and the extremely long nights will necessitate bringing an alternative power source ([[PB-NUK Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator|RTGs]] or [[Fuel cell|fuel cells]]) for extended surface operations.
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== In-game Description ==
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{{Quote
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|Moho figures in Kerbal mythology as a fiery place with oceans of flowing lava. In reality however, it’s much less interesting. <br />
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<br />
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''Scientists speculate about possible ways to make it “awesome like in the stories”. Some of those ideas have led to new breakthroughs in aerospace technology.''
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|[[Kerbal Astronomical Society]]}}
  
 
== Topography ==
 
== Topography ==
Moho's surface ranges from light brown highlands to dark brown Maria. It is heavily cratered, but less so than the moons of [[Kerbin]] and [[Jool]], suggesting erosion. Because of the lack of an atmosphere on Moho, the primary suspect of Moho's erosion is volcanism. It is probable that Moho undergoes volcanic periods, induced by tidal friction with Kerbol. The fact that this occurs in periods, likely on a geologic timescale, is proven in that volcanism of Moho was removed in 0.18. It must have been discovered just before it stopped being volcanic. The vulcanism would lead to the filling up of craters.
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Moho's surface ranges from light brown highlands to dark brown basaltic basins and a large depression called the Northern Sinkhole near the North pole (not to be confused with the [[Mohole]])-these features, together with surface reports, strongly evidence the presence of past [[w:volcanism|volcanism]]. Its highest point is in its northern hemisphere at an altitude of 6817 m.  Moho's heavily eroded surface and lack of ground scatter despite there being no atmosphere suggest active [[w:space weathering|space weathering]] processes.
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Moho has a very deep well at its geographic north pole, called the [[Mohole]]. The Mohole is about 4.6 kilometers deep, and has a descending angle of 80 degrees. <ref>“[[thread:48006|Moho's Secrets Revealed]]” </ref> The hole is a glitch in the procedural generation of terrain; many other bodies with land at the north pole have similar bugs.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e5SGynBJ4Y</ref> Despite the appearance of another hole at the geographic south pole in [[Map View]], one does not exist.
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The Mohole can destroy craft and kill Kerbals that fall into it.
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== Biomes ==
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Moho has 12 [[biome]]s. It is one of three bodies (the other being [[Kerbin]] and [[Ike]]) that have their own North and South Pole biomes. It is dotted with Minor Craters and features four distinct Lowland Biomes. The [[Mohole]] is registered as part of the South pole despite being at the North pole.
  
Moho has two very deep wells at the geographic north and south pole of a, as yet, undetermined depth. Current analysis and probes dropped into the crater at the north pole revealed it to be more than 5 km deep before the probe crashed into the ever narrowing canyon walls. It is possible that these are volcanic tubes that are as of this moment dormant. Further analysis of the canyon walls is needed before a definitive answer can be presented. <!--most likely explanation: it's just a glitch in the procedural terrain generation algorithm -->
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=== Biome list ===
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{{Biome list|list=
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* North Pole
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* Northern Sinkhole Ridge
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* Northern Sinkhole
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* Highlands
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* Midlands
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* Minor Craters
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* Central Lowlands
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* Western Lowlands
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* South Western Lowlands
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* South Eastern Lowlands
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* Canyon
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* South Pole}}
  
 
== Orbital Statistics ==
 
== Orbital Statistics ==
Mohosynchronous and semi-synchronous orbits are not possible — they would require altitudes  of {{OrbitAltitude | period_s=1210000 | mass_kg=2.53e21 | radius_km=250 }} and {{OrbitAltitude | period_s=605000 | mass_kg=2.53e21 | radius_km=250 }} respectively, outside of Moho's sphere of influence.
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Mohosynchronous and semi-synchronous orbits are impossible — they would require altitudes  of {{OrbitAltitude | period=1210000 | mass=2.53e21 | radius=250000 | factor=k }} and {{OrbitAltitude | period=605000 | mass=2.53e21 | radius=250000 | factor=k }} respectively, both of which are beyond Moho's [[sphere of influence]].
  
 
== Reference Frames ==
 
== Reference Frames ==
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== Solar System Counterpart ==
 
== Solar System Counterpart ==
Moho is the Kerbol System Mercury analog.
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Moho is the apparent [[Kerbol System]] analog of the planet Mercury. Both share a similar cratered landscape, like most bodies with little to no atmosphere. Due to the lack of an atmosphere to retain heat, Moho and Mercury are freezing on the night side and, relative to Earth, extremely hot on the day side. Both planets are also the closest to their respective stars, share a similar orbital eccentricity and lack natural satellites.  
  
* Moho and Mercury share a similar, cratered landscape, similar to most bodies with little to no atmosphere. They are both the closest planet to their respective Sun, and neither has a natural satellite.
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However, Moho has a brown surface, while Mercury has a dark grey surface. In addition, Mercury has a tenuous atmosphere of about 10⁻¹³ kPa while Moho has no atmosphere; although, a pressure of 10⁻¹³ kPa (≃ 10⁻¹⁵ atm) would be rendered "unmeasurable" by the [[PresMat Barometer]] and register in KSP as a vacuum. However, Moho did have a super-heated atmosphere up until 0.18
* Unlike Mercury, Moho has a brown texture while Mercury itself has a grey to dark grey color. In addition, Mercury has a very tenuous atmosphere, whereas Moho has no atmosphere.
 
  
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
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Moho_800_map.gif | A topographic height map of Moho as at Version 0.18.2 made with the ISA MapSat plugin.
 
Moho_800_map.gif | A topographic height map of Moho as at Version 0.18.2 made with the ISA MapSat plugin.
 
Moho_landing.png | A successful landing at Moho pre-0.18. Note the engines still overheating.
 
Moho_landing.png | A successful landing at Moho pre-0.18. Note the engines still overheating.
Probewedge.jpg | A Probe wedged in the 5km deep lava well at the north pole.
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Moho Landing 0.23.5.png | A successful landing in 0.23.5, after Moho's color was changed and its superheated atmosphere was removed. The walls of the basins are quite steep.
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Probewedge.jpg | A probe wedged in the 5&nbsp;km deep lava well at the north pole.
 
Moho_flyby.png | A probe performing a Moho flyby.
 
Moho_flyby.png | A probe performing a Moho flyby.
BillSmile.png | Bill Kerman having the time of his life wedged in the northern hole
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HannyNMohole.png | Hanny Kerman wedged in the Northern [[Mohole]] sideways. Lots of orientation jittering was observed.
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EnteringMohoOrbit.png | A spacecraft carrying a probe decelerates to enter into orbit around Moho.  Vessels pick up a lot of speed approaching this inner planet.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
== Changes ==
 
== Changes ==
;{{Version|0.21|}}
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;[[0.90]]
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* Added biomes
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;[[0.21]]
 
*New, procedurally generated, textures added, with higher detail craters.
 
*New, procedurally generated, textures added, with higher detail craters.
;{{Version|0.18|}}
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;[[0.18]]
 
* Entirely changed more cratered surface.
 
* Entirely changed more cratered surface.
 
* Color changed from red to brown.
 
* Color changed from red to brown.
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* No longer tidally locked.  
 
* No longer tidally locked.  
 
* Mass reduced.
 
* Mass reduced.
;{{Version|0.17|}}
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;[[0.17]]
 
* Initial Release
 
* Initial Release
  

Revision as of 20:53, 21 June 2018

Moho
Moho
Moho as seen from orbit.
Planet of Kerbol
Orbital Characteristics
Semi-major axis 5 263 138 304 m [Note 1]
Apoapsis 6 315 765 981 m [Note 1]
Periapsis 4 210 510 628 m [Note 1]
Orbital eccentricity 0.2
Orbital inclination 7 °
Argument of periapsis 15 °
Longitude of the ascending node 70 °
Mean anomaly 3.14 rad (at 0s UT)
Sidereal orbital period 2 215 754 s
102 d 3 h 29 m 14.2 s
Synodic orbital period 2 918 346.4 s
Orbital velocity 12 186 - 18 279 m/s
Physical Characteristics
Equatorial radius 250 000 m
Equatorial circumference 1 570 796 m
Surface area 7.8539816×1011 m2
Mass 2.5263314×1021 kg
Standard gravitational parameter 1.6860938×1011 m3/s2
Density 38 599.500 kg/m3
Surface gravity 2.70 m/s2 (0.275 g)
Escape velocity 1 161.41 m/s
Sidereal rotation period 1 210 000.0 s
56 d 0 h 6 m 40 s
Solar day 2 665 723.4 s
123 d 2 h 28 m 43.4 s
Sidereal rotational velocity 1.2982 m/s
Synchronous orbit 18 173.17 km
Sphere of influence 9 646 663.0 m [Note 1]
Atmospheric Characteristics
Atmosphere present No
Scientific multiplier
Surface 10
Splashed N/A
Near space 8
Outer space 7
Recovery 7

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 The distances are given from the body's center, not from the surface (unlike ingame)

Moho is the third-smallest planet and the one closest to Kerbol, with an orbital period of 102 days, the shortest in the Kerbol system, and an orbital velocity ranging from 12-18km/s, is also the fastest celestial body in Kerbal Space Program. It is the Mercury analogue. Moho lacks an atmosphere and natural satellites. The planet gets its name from the Mohorovičić discontinuity, the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle.

Moho's inclined, low, and eccentric orbit and lack of atmosphere or moons (for aerobraking and gravity assists, respectively) make encountering the planet relatively difficult. Without an atmosphere to retain or block heat, Moho's daytime surface temperatures can exceed 300°C, making radiators an absolute necessity if any part (such as drills or engines) must be cool to operate both safely and effectively. Moho rotates very slowly, its solar day being over 100 times longer than Kerbin's, which means that reconnaissance satellites will likely wait a long time between targets, but it also means that there may be several opportunities to perform individual measurements across multiple orbits. Although Moho's close proximity to the sun increases solar panel output to 10.4x that of Kerbin's at periapsis, excessive heat can cause cooling issues for mining operations and the extremely long nights will necessitate bringing an alternative power source (RTGs or fuel cells) for extended surface operations.

In-game Description

Moho figures in Kerbal mythology as a fiery place with oceans of flowing lava. In reality however, it’s much less interesting.


Scientists speculate about possible ways to make it “awesome like in the stories”. Some of those ideas have led to new breakthroughs in aerospace technology.''

Kerbal Astronomical Society

Topography

Moho's surface ranges from light brown highlands to dark brown basaltic basins and a large depression called the Northern Sinkhole near the North pole (not to be confused with the Mohole)-these features, together with surface reports, strongly evidence the presence of past volcanism. Its highest point is in its northern hemisphere at an altitude of 6817 m. Moho's heavily eroded surface and lack of ground scatter despite there being no atmosphere suggest active space weathering processes.

Moho has a very deep well at its geographic north pole, called the Mohole. The Mohole is about 4.6 kilometers deep, and has a descending angle of 80 degrees. [1] The hole is a glitch in the procedural generation of terrain; many other bodies with land at the north pole have similar bugs.[2] Despite the appearance of another hole at the geographic south pole in Map View, one does not exist.

The Mohole can destroy craft and kill Kerbals that fall into it.

Biomes

Moho has 12 biomes. It is one of three bodies (the other being Kerbin and Ike) that have their own North and South Pole biomes. It is dotted with Minor Craters and features four distinct Lowland Biomes. The Mohole is registered as part of the South pole despite being at the North pole.

Biome list

Moho In-game biome map as of 1.2
  • North Pole
  • Northern Sinkhole Ridge
  • Northern Sinkhole
  • Highlands
  • Midlands
  • Minor Craters
  • Central Lowlands
  • Western Lowlands
  • South Western Lowlands
  • South Eastern Lowlands
  • Canyon
  • South Pole

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
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

Moho is the apparent Kerbol System analog of the planet Mercury. Both share a similar cratered landscape, like most bodies with little to no atmosphere. Due to the lack of an atmosphere to retain heat, Moho and Mercury are freezing on the night side and, relative to Earth, extremely hot on the day side. Both planets are also the closest to their respective stars, share a similar orbital eccentricity and lack natural satellites.

However, Moho has a brown surface, while Mercury has a dark grey surface. In addition, Mercury has a tenuous atmosphere of about 10⁻¹³ kPa while Moho has no atmosphere; although, a pressure of 10⁻¹³ kPa (≃ 10⁻¹⁵ atm) would be rendered "unmeasurable" by the PresMat Barometer and register in KSP as a vacuum. However, Moho did have a super-heated atmosphere up until 0.18

Gallery

Changes

0.90
  • Added biomes
0.21
  • New, procedurally generated, textures added, with higher detail craters.
0.18
  • Entirely changed more cratered surface.
  • Color changed from red to brown.
  • No more superheated atmosphere.
  • No longer tidally locked.
  • Mass reduced.
0.17
  • Initial Release

Notes

  1. Moho's Secrets Revealed
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e5SGynBJ4Y