All articles tagged with #trans neptunian objects
Scientists continue to investigate the possibility of a massive undiscovered planet, 'Planet Nine', influencing the orbits of distant objects in the Kuiper Belt, though recent discoveries and limited observational data make its existence uncertain. The search relies on telescopic observations, as space travel to the outer solar system would take over a century.
Astronomers have discovered a rare, highly tilted trans-Neptunian object called 2020 VN40 that orbits the Sun once for every ten Neptune orbits, revealing a unique gravitational resonance and offering new insights into the dynamics and evolution of the outer solar system.
Astronomers have discovered a distant solar system body, 2020 VN40, that is rhythmically synchronized with Neptune's orbit, providing new insights into the dynamics of the outer solar system and its evolution.
A feasibility study explores the possibility of sending a mission to Sedna, a distant trans-Neptunian object, using advanced propulsion technologies like nuclear propulsion and solar sails, with potential mission durations ranging from about seven to ten years, aiming to study its surface and gain insights into the early Solar System.
Scientists may have found the first direct evidence of a ninth major planet in the Solar System by analyzing infrared data from space telescopes, identifying a candidate object that could be Planet 9, though further observations are needed to confirm its orbit.
Scientists have discovered a new potential dwarf planet, 2017 OF201, which challenges the existence of Planet Nine by exhibiting an orbit that does not cluster with other extreme trans-Neptunian objects, raising questions about the hypothesized planet's influence on the outer solar system.
Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices on trans-Neptunian objects for the first time, revealing new insights into the formation and migration of celestial bodies in our solar system. The study, led by researchers from the University of Central Florida, found CO2 in 56 out of 59 observed objects, suggesting these ices are more widespread than previously thought. This discovery could significantly enhance our understanding of the early solar system's composition and the evolution of these distant objects.
Scientists have discovered carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices on trans-Neptunian objects using the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing new insights into the chemical composition and formation history of these distant solar system bodies.
Scientists have found new evidence supporting the existence of a hidden ninth planet in our solar system, known as Planet Nine. By studying the movements of trans-Neptunian objects, researchers have concluded that the best explanation for their behavior is the presence of an undiscovered planet. The upcoming Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile is expected to provide further insights into the mysteries of our solar system's outer reaches.
The James Webb Space Telescope has used its unprecedented spectral observation capabilities to study a pair of icy asteroids at the edge of the solar system, providing insights into the evolution of Neptune and the Kuiper Belt. This research represents the first time the surface composition of a small, binary pair of Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) has been investigated, shedding light on the chemical compositions of these distant objects and their potential role in the distribution of molecules that gave birth to planets and life on Earth. The findings could also help track down how Neptune has migrated to reach its current orbit, and the team believes that the JWST will deliver even more information about objects in the Kuiper Belt and beyond Neptune in the future.
Scientists have used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze the surface compositions of a binary duo of icy asteroids, Mors-Somnus, for the first time, shedding light on the evolution of Neptune and other objects in the outer solar system. The study, part of the DiSCo-TNOs program, provides insights into the dynamical history of Neptune and trans-Neptunian objects, offering clues about Neptune's migration and settlement into its final orbit. The findings also contribute to our understanding of the formation and composition of small celestial bodies beyond Neptune, providing valuable information about the origins of the planets, moons, and small bodies in our solar system.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has observed three dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt - Sedna, Gonggong, and Quaoar - using its Near-Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec). The observations revealed interesting information about their orbits and composition, including the presence of light hydrocarbons and complex organic molecules believed to be the result of methane irradiation. These findings provide insights into the history and evolution of objects in the outer solar system and highlight the capabilities of the JWST in studying our cosmic neighborhood.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has observed three dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt - Sedna, Gonggong, and Quaoar - using its Near-Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSpec). The observations revealed interesting information about their orbits and composition, including the presence of light hydrocarbons and complex organic molecules believed to be the result of methane irradiation. These findings provide insights into the formation and evolution of objects in the outer Solar System and demonstrate the capabilities of the JWST in studying our cosmic neighborhood.
Scientists suggest the existence of an undiscovered Earth-like planet in the outer solar system based on the peculiar orbits of objects in the Kuiper Belt. Computer simulations indicate that this hypothetical planet would be around 1.5-3 times the mass of Earth and located 250-500 Earth-sun distances from the sun, with an inclined orbit of 30° to the plane of the solar system. The discovery of such a planet would have profound implications for planetary science and could revolutionize our understanding of the solar system's formation.
New research suggests that an Earth-sized planet, dubbed "Planet Nine," may exist in the outer solar system within the Kuiper Belt, beyond Neptune. Astronomers have struggled to explain the behavior of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), such as their detached orbits, high inclinations, and extreme orbits. The presence of a massive planet in the outer solar system could explain these observations. While there is no concrete evidence yet, researchers are developing models and planning an observational campaign to search for this hypothetical planet.