@elite-dangerous-almanac/core / astro / RocheLimits

Defined in: src/astro/body-physics.ts:67

The two Roche limits for one pair of bodies, in metres from the primary's centre.

Inside the Roche limit a satellite is pulled apart by the tide the primary raises on it. Which limit applies depends on what holds the satellite together: a rigid body resists with its own strength, a fluid one only with self-gravity, so the fluid limit is the larger and the truth for a real body sits between them.

readonly fluid: number

Defined in: src/astro/body-physics.ts:78

Fluid-body limit, in metres — 2.456 · R · (ρ_primary / ρ_satellite)^(1/3). The generous figure, for a satellite held together by gravity alone.

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readonly rigid: number

Defined in: src/astro/body-physics.ts:73

Rigid-body limit, in metres — 1.26 · R · (ρ_primary / ρ_satellite)^(1/3). The conservative figure: a solid body can survive closer than this only on its own material strength.