10th planet found in our solar system,10th Planet Found in Our Solar System: A Detailed Exploration

10th Planet Found in Our Solar System: A Detailed Exploration

Have you ever wondered about the vastness of our solar system? Well, get ready to expand your cosmic horizons as we delve into the discovery of the 10th planet, a celestial body that has been a topic of intrigue and speculation among astronomers and space enthusiasts alike.

Discovery and Naming

The discovery of the 10th planet, officially known as 2012 VP113, was made by astronomers Scott Sheppard and Chad Trujillo in 2012. This distant object orbits the Sun in a highly elongated path, taking approximately 405 years to complete one orbit. The name “VP113” is derived from the Minor Planet Center’s catalog number assigned to it.

Orbital Characteristics

One of the most fascinating aspects of 2012 VP113 is its highly inclined and eccentric orbit. It orbits the Sun at an average distance of about 44 astronomical units (AU), which is roughly 44 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. However, its closest approach to the Sun can be as close as 19 AU, while its farthest point can extend to over 100 AU. This extreme variation in distance contributes to its highly elliptical orbit.

Another intriguing feature of 2012 VP113 is its inclination, which is approximately 43 degrees relative to the plane of the solar system. This means that its orbit is tilted significantly compared to the orbits of the other known planets. This inclination is believed to be a result of gravitational interactions with other celestial bodies in the outer solar system.

Physical Characteristics

While the exact size of 2012 VP113 is still a subject of ongoing research, astronomers estimate that it has a diameter of approximately 1,100 kilometers. This makes it slightly larger than Pluto, the dwarf planet that was once considered the ninth planet of our solar system. Despite its relatively large size, 2012 VP113 is still considered a dwarf planet due to its irregular shape and lack of a clear atmosphere.

One of the most remarkable features of 2012 VP113 is its surface composition. It is believed to be composed primarily of rock and ice, similar to other dwarf planets in the outer solar system. However, the exact composition is still under investigation, and further observations are needed to determine its precise composition.

Significance and Implications

The discovery of 2012 VP113 has significant implications for our understanding of the outer solar system. It challenges the traditional view of the solar system’s structure and provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our cosmic neighborhood.

One of the key implications of this discovery is the existence of a population of distant, icy bodies in the outer solar system. These objects, often referred to as “extremo trans-Neptunian objects” (ETNOs), are believed to be remnants from the early formation of the solar system. The discovery of 2012 VP113 suggests that there may be many more such objects waiting to be discovered, expanding our understanding of the solar system’s history.

Observation and Future Research

Observing 2012 VP113 is a challenging task due to its distant location and its highly inclined orbit. However, astronomers have been able to study it using various telescopes and instruments, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Gemini Observatory.

Future research on 2012 VP113 will focus on determining its exact size, composition, and orbit. Additionally, astronomers are eager to discover more objects like 2012 VP113, which will provide further insights into the outer solar system’s structure and history.

Table: Comparison of 2012 VP113 with Other Dwarf Planets

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