HOW BIG
DiscoverMoons

Moons

Charon: size, dimension and comparison

The adopted reference is about 1,212 km.

Mean diameter ≈ 1 212 km

1,212 km = 1,212,000 m. A kilometer contains 1,000 meters.

A natural satellite of Pluto.

Explore at this scale
Charon, interpreted illustration
Interpreted illustration · dimension stated in the fact sheet.

What does this number measure?

Size calculated from the mean radius published by NASA/JPL: the diameter of a sphere with equivalent volume. The actual shape of small moons can be highly irregular.

Compare the stated dimensions

The comparison uses the number in each fact sheet: altitude, height, diameter, length or distance, depending on the reference. Two values in metres do not necessarily describe the same property.

Compare with Umbriel in the explorer →

Source and limitations

Catalogue value: a source is provided, but the measurement has not been individually audited in this project.

Uncertainty stated in the catalogue: about 1 km.

Reddish polar cap, plains and fractures inspired by New Horizons; interpreted details and perspective.