Scientists have identified a celestial object approximately 700 kilometers in diameter located in the icy, outer regions of the Solar System. The object, named 2017 OF201, was observed moving along a highly elongated orbital path around the Sun, capturing the attention of the astronomical community.
One of the most distant known objects
This object belongs to the category of trans-Neptunian objects, meaning it orbits the Sun at a greater distance than the planet Neptune. Scientists point out that 2017 OF201 is among the most distant visible bodies in the Solar System, and its existence suggests that the space beyond the Kuiper Belt is not as empty as previously thought.
A 25,000-year-long journey
Unlike Earth, which takes 365 days to complete one orbit around the Sun, 2017 OF201 takes a staggering 25,000 years to complete a single orbit. This makes it an extremely slow and distant member of our system.
Observations using telescopes in Chile and Hawaii over seven years enabled its discovery and detailed analysis of its trajectory.
A potential new dwarf planet
According to astrophysicist Sihao Cheng from the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, 2017 OF201 is potentially large enough to be classified as a dwarf planet. Its orbit is very wide and eccentric, suggesting an unusual history of orbital migration.
It is estimated to be slightly smaller than Ceres, the smallest recognized dwarf planet, which has a diameter of about 950 kilometers. The object’s mass is roughly 20,000 times smaller than Earth’s, and 50 times smaller than Pluto’s.
Shape and composition still unknown
Due to its vast distance, scientists still cannot determine the exact shape or precise composition of the object. However, it is assumed to be similar to other icy bodies in the outer Solar System.
“This discovery raises new questions about what else might be hidden in those remote regions,” said Cheng.
Scientific confirmation and international significance
The discovery was officially announced by the Minor Planet Center of the International Astronomical Union, while the study detailing the results was published on the scientific platform arXiv. The study has not yet undergone peer review.
Dwarf planets in the Solar System
The International Astronomical Union currently recognizes five dwarf planets:
Ceres – in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter
Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris – all beyond Neptune’s orbit
2017 OF201 could become the sixth on this list, expanding our understanding of the distant regions of the Solar System.
