Moon orbital kinetic energy
Moon orbital kinetic energy is the energy the Moon possesses due to its motion as it orbits Earth.
Also known as: lunar orbital kinetic energy
How big is it?
3.83 × 10¹³ PJ · mean-orbit kinetic energy
Mean-orbit kinetic energy · derived
Typical recorded range: 3.7 × 10¹³ PJ to 4 × 10¹³ PJ.
A little perspective
Moon orbital kinetic energy vs One second of sunlight: energy comparison
The Moon’s orbital kinetic energy is about 100 times the energy of one second of sunlight.
ENERGY STORED OR TRANSFERRED
Moon orbital kinetic energy is the energy the Moon possesses due to its motion as it orbits Earth.
The total energy emitted by the Sun in all directions over one second.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Moon orbital kinetic energy
Mean-orbit kinetic energy: 3.83 × 10¹³ PJ; derived; range 3.7 × 10¹³ PJ–4 × 10¹³ PJ.
Approximately 3.83 × 10²⁸ J, calculated as ½mv² from the JPL-derived lunar mass and a mean orbital speed of 1.022 km/s. The Moon’s elliptical orbit changes its instantaneous speed and kinetic energy.
The marked mean-orbit kinetic energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
One second of sunlight
Energy: 3.828 × 10¹¹ PJ; defined energy model.
The Sun’s nominal luminosity multiplied by one second: total emitted energy, not energy received by Earth.
IAU — nominal solar and planetary conversion constants
The marked energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 3.83 × 10¹³ PJ
We compare the Moon’s orbital kinetic energy. The measurement is labelled derived. Check the source notes for its basis. The recorded range is 3.7 × 10¹³ PJ to 4 × 10¹³ PJ.
Approximately 3.83 × 10²⁸ J, calculated as ½mv² from the JPL-derived lunar mass and a mean orbital speed of 1.022 km/s. The Moon’s elliptical orbit changes its instantaneous speed and kinetic energy.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.83 × 10¹³ PJ | 3.7 × 10¹³ PJ to 4 × 10¹³ PJ | derived |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEnergyOne second of sunlight3.828 × 10¹¹ PJEnergyThe total energy emitted by the Sun in all directions over one second.Nearest higher valueEnergySupernova light model1 × 10²⁷ PJEnergyThe electromagnetic energy released by a typical supernova explosion, excluding kinetic and neutrino energy.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA — Moon factsMean lunar orbital speed and synodic phase-cycle context.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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