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Astronomers Discover New Distant Dwarf Planet Beyond Neptune
Introduction
Astronomers have discovered a new dwarf planet beyond Neptune, which is the farthest planet in our solar system. This discovery is significant because it provides new insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. In this article, we will discuss the discovery of this new dwarf planet and its implications.
What is a Dwarf Planet?
Before we dive into the discovery of the new dwarf planet, let's first understand what a dwarf planet is. A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun and is spherical in shape, but has not cleared its orbit of other debris. In other words, it shares its orbit with other objects of similar size.
The Discovery of the New Dwarf Planet
The new dwarf planet, named 2015 RR245, was discovered by the Outer Solar System Origins Survey (OSSOS) using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on Maunakea, Hawaii. It is estimated to be about 435 miles (700 kilometers) in diameter and is located about 7.5 billion miles (12 billion kilometers) from the sun. It takes about 700 years to complete one orbit around the sun.
Implications of the Discovery
The discovery of 2015 RR245 provides new insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. It is believed that the dwarf planet was formed in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune that is home to many other dwarf planets and icy objects. The Kuiper Belt is thought to be a remnant of the early solar system, and studying objects in this region can help us understand how our solar system formed.
Other Discoveries in the Kuiper Belt
The discovery of 2015 RR245 is not the first discovery in the Kuiper Belt. In fact, many other dwarf planets and icy objects have been discovered in this region in recent years. Some of the most notable discoveries include Pluto, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake. These discoveries have led to a reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet and have sparked debates about the definition of a planet.
Conclusion
The discovery of 2015 RR245 is a significant milestone in our understanding of the formation and evolution of our solar system. It provides new insights into the Kuiper Belt and the objects that reside there. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to discover even more objects in the Kuiper Belt and beyond, further expanding our knowledge of the universe.
FAQs
What is the Kuiper Belt?
The Kuiper Belt is a region beyond Neptune that is home to many dwarf planets and icy objects. It is believed to be a remnant of the early solar system.
How was 2015 RR245 discovered?
2015 RR245 was discovered by the Outer Solar System Origins Survey (OSSOS) using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope on Maunakea, Hawaii.
How big is 2015 RR245?
2015 RR245 is estimated to be about 435 miles (700 kilometers) in diameter.
How far is 2015 RR245 from the sun?
2015 RR245 is located about 7.5 billion miles (12 billion kilometers) from the sun.
How long does it take 2015 RR245 to orbit the sun?
It takes about 700 years for 2015 RR245 to complete one orbit around the sun.
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.