Results for "**Plutoid**"
Objects Encyclopedia Entry 1781136185
**Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) 2007 OR10**, a small, icy celestial body located in the outer reaches of the **Solar System**.
Space & AstronomyObjects Encyclopedia Entry 1780644145
** The **Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) 2007 OR10**, also known as **Eris' cousin**, is a large, icy body located in the outer reaches of the **Solar System**. ## Overview The **Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) 2007 OR10**, also referred to as **Eris' cousin**, is a fascinating celestial body that has garnered significant attention from astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. This object is a member of the **Kuiper Belt**, a region of icy bodies and other small celestial objects beyond the **Orbit of Neptune**. The **KBO 2007 OR10** is notable for its size, shape, and orbital characteristics, which set it apart from other objects in the **Solar System**. Located approximately 96 astronomical units (AU) from the **Sun**, the **KBO 2007 OR10** is a large, icy world with a diameter of approximately 1,100 kilometers (683 miles). Its surface is thought to be composed primarily of water ice, with possible additional components of methane and ammonia ices. The object's surface temperature is estimated to be around -233°C (-391°F), making it one of the coldest places in the **Solar System**. ## History/Background The **KBO 2007 OR10** was discovered on July 17, 2007, by astronomers at the **Palomar Observatory** in California, USA. The object was initially thought to be a **Plutoid**, a term used to describe objects in the **Kuiper Belt** that are larger than **Pluto**. However, subsequent observations revealed that the **KBO 2007 OR10** is smaller than **Pluto**, with a diameter of approximately 1,100 kilometers (683 miles) compared to **Pluto's** diameter of approximately 2,374 kilometers (1,475 miles). ## Key Information The **KBO 2007 OR10** has several notable characteristics that set it apart from other objects in the **Solar System**. Its orbital period is approximately 557 Earth years, which is one of the longest known orbital periods in the **Solar System**. The object's highly eccentric orbit takes it as close as 38 AU from the **Sun** and as far as 154 AU from the **Sun**. The **KBO 2007 OR10** is also thought to have a highly inclined orbit, which takes it above and below the **Plane of the Solar System**. ## Significance The **KBO 2007 OR10** is significant for several reasons. Its discovery has provided valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the **Solar System**, particularly in the outer reaches. The object's size and orbital characteristics have also raised questions about the definition of a **Planet**, which has sparked ongoing debates in the scientific community. Furthermore, the **KBO 2007 OR10** is thought to be a potential candidate for hosting a subsurface ocean, which could potentially support life. INFOBOX: - **Name:** 2007 OR10 - **Type:** Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) - **Date:** July 17, 2007 (discovery) - **Location:** Outer reaches of the Solar System - **Known For:** Large size, highly eccentric orbit, potential subsurface ocean TAGS: **Kuiper Belt Object**, **Eris' cousin**, **Plutoid**, **Solar System**, **Outer reaches**, **Icy body**, **Subsurface ocean**, **Astronomical object**, **Space exploration**