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Moon Orbits Third Largest Dwarf Planet in Our Solar System
Introduction
Our solar system is full of mysteries and wonders that continue to amaze us. Recently, scientists have discovered that the third largest dwarf planet in our solar system has a moon orbiting around it. This discovery has sparked interest among astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve deeper into this discovery and explore what it means for our understanding of the solar system.
What is a Dwarf Planet?
Before we dive into the discovery of the moon orbiting the third largest dwarf planet, let's first understand what a dwarf planet is. A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun and has enough mass to assume a nearly round shape. However, it has not cleared its orbit of other debris, which is why it is not considered a full-fledged planet.
The Third Largest Dwarf Planet
The third largest dwarf planet in our solar system is known as 2007 OR10. It was discovered in 2007 by astronomers Meg Schwamb, Mike Brown, and David Rabinowitz. It is located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system beyond Neptune that is home to many icy objects.
The Discovery of the Moon
In 2016, astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope discovered that 2007 OR10 had a moon orbiting around it. The moon is estimated to be about 240 kilometers in diameter, which is about one-third the size of its parent dwarf planet.
What Does This Discovery Mean?
The discovery of a moon orbiting 2007 OR10 is significant because it tells us more about the formation and evolution of the solar system. Moons are thought to form from the same disk of gas and dust that surrounds a planet during its formation. By studying the moons of dwarf planets, we can learn more about the conditions that existed in the early solar system.
Other Dwarf Planets with Moons
2007 OR10 is not the only dwarf planet in our solar system with a moon. Pluto, the most famous dwarf planet, has five known moons. Haumea, another dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt, has two known moons. Eris, the largest known dwarf planet, has one known moon.
Conclusion
The discovery of a moon orbiting the third largest dwarf planet in our solar system is an exciting development in the field of astronomy. It tells us more about the formation and evolution of the solar system and raises new questions for scientists to explore. As we continue to study the solar system, we are sure to uncover more mysteries and wonders that will continue to amaze us.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Kuiper Belt?
The Kuiper Belt is a region of the solar system beyond Neptune that is home to many icy objects.
Q2. How do moons form?
Moons are thought to form from the same disk of gas and dust that surrounds a planet during its formation.
Q3. How many moons does Pluto have?
Pluto has five known moons.
Q4. What is the largest known dwarf planet?
Eris is the largest known dwarf planet.
Q5. What is the significance of the discovery of a moon orbiting 2007 OR10?
The discovery of a moon orbiting 2007 OR10 tells us more about the formation and evolution of the solar system.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.