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Objects Encyclopedia Entry 1778150525

** The **Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) 2004 DW** is a small, icy celestial body located in the outer reaches of the **Solar System**, specifically within the **Kuiper Belt**. ## Overview The **Kuiper Belt** is a region of our **Solar System** that contains a large number of small, icy bodies, including dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets. These objects are remnants from the formation of the **Solar System** and have been relatively unchanged since then. **Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs)** like 2004 DW are of great interest to astronomers and planetary scientists, as they provide valuable insights into the early history and evolution of our **Solar System**. **2004 DW** was discovered on February 26, 2004, by astronomers at the **Palomar Observatory** in California, USA. The object was initially classified as a **Kuiper Belt Object**, but subsequent observations revealed that it was a small, irregularly shaped body with a highly eccentric orbit. **2004 DW** has a diameter of approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) and orbits the **Sun** at an average distance of about 45 astronomical units (AU). ## History/Background The study of **Kuiper Belt Objects** began in the 1990s, when astronomers first detected these small bodies in the outer reaches of the **Solar System**. Since then, numerous KBOs have been discovered, including dwarf planets like **Pluto** and **Eris**. **2004 DW** was one of the first KBOs to be discovered in the early 2000s, and its discovery helped to shed light on the composition and properties of these enigmatic objects. ## Key Information **2004 DW** is a small, icy body with a highly eccentric orbit. Its surface is likely composed of water ice mixed with darker organic material. The object's highly inclined orbit takes it as close as 28 AU to the **Sun** and as far as 64 AU from the **Sun**. **2004 DW** has a highly irregular shape, with a rotation period of approximately 5.4 hours. **Key Facts:** * Diameter: approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) * Orbit: highly eccentric, with a perihelion (closest point to the **Sun**) of 28 AU and an aphelion (farthest point from the **Sun**) of 64 AU * Surface composition: water ice mixed with darker organic material * Rotation period: approximately 5.4 hours ## Significance The study of **Kuiper Belt Objects** like **2004 DW** provides valuable insights into the early history and evolution of our **Solar System**. These objects are thought to be remnants from the formation of the **Solar System**, and their study can help scientists understand the processes that shaped our cosmic neighborhood. **2004 DW** is an important addition to the growing list of KBOs, and its discovery has contributed significantly to our understanding of these enigmatic objects. INFOBOX: - Name: 2004 DW - Type: Kuiper Belt Object - Date: February 26, 2004 - Location: Kuiper Belt - Known For: Highly eccentric orbit and irregular shape TAGS: **Kuiper Belt Object**, **Solar System**, **Astronomy**, **Planetary Science**, **Kuiper Belt**, **2004 DW**, **Palomar Observatory**, **Pluto**, **Eris**, **Space Exploration**