Scientists have potentially identified a new dwarf planet orbiting in the far reaches of our solar system. The object, designated 2017 OF201, was detected by researchers from the Institute for Advanced Study and Princeton University while they were investigating the possibility of 'Planet Nine,' a hypothetical large planet thought to exist beyond Neptune.
2017 OF201 is incredibly distant, taking approximately 25,000 years to complete a single orbit around the Sun. This extremely long orbital period places it firmly within the realm of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), a collection of icy bodies that reside beyond Neptune's orbit.
The discovery of 2017 OF201 provides valuable data for understanding the distribution and characteristics of objects in the outer solar system. While not the sought-after 'Planet Nine,' this new dwarf planet contributes to our knowledge of the complex dynamics and composition of this remote region. Further observations will be needed to determine its precise size, shape, and orbital parameters.
Possible New Dwarf Planet Found Lurking at Solar System's Edge
Astronomers may have discovered a new dwarf planet far beyond Pluto. The object, called 2017 OF201, takes an estimated 25,000 years to orbit the Sun. Researchers searching for the elusive 'Planet Nine' stumbled upon this distant world, offering new insights into the outer solar system's composition and dynamics. This discovery adds to the growing catalog of trans-Neptunian objects.
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