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Objects Encyclopedia Entry 1782103206

** The **Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) 2007 OR10**, also known as **Eris' cousin**, is a large, icy **dwarf planet** located in the **Kuiper Belt**, a region of the **solar system** beyond the **orbital path** of **Neptune**. ## Overview The Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) 2007 OR10, or simply 2007 OR10, is a mysterious and fascinating world that has captivated astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. This **dwarf planet** is a member of the **Kuiper Belt**, a vast, ring-shaped region of icy bodies and other small celestial objects that surrounds the **solar system**. With its highly eccentric **orbit**, 2007 OR10 is one of the most **distant** and **unusual** objects in the Kuiper Belt. Located approximately 96 astronomical units (AU) from the **Sun**, 2007 OR10 is a **trans-Neptunian object** that has a highly inclined **orbital plane**. This means that its path around the Sun is tilted at an angle of about 29 degrees relative to the **ecliptic**, the plane of the solar system. This unusual **orbital configuration** makes 2007 OR10 a challenging object to study, as its **position** and **motion** are difficult to predict. ## History/Background The discovery of 2007 OR10 was announced on August 5, 2007, by a team of astronomers led by Mike Brown of the **California Institute of Technology**. The object was detected using the **Palomar Observatory** in California, and its **orbital parameters** were later refined using data from the **Hubble Space Telescope**. Initially, 2007 OR10 was thought to be a **Kuiper Belt Object** with a diameter of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). However, subsequent observations revealed that it is actually a **dwarf planet** with a diameter of about 1,100 kilometers (680 miles). ## Key Information * **Diameter:** approximately 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) * **Mass:** estimated to be around 1.5% of the mass of the **dwarf planet Pluto** * **Orbital period:** approximately 557 Earth years * **Orbital eccentricity:** 0.22, indicating a highly elliptical orbit * **Surface temperature:** estimated to be around -230°C (-382°F) * **Composition:** primarily composed of water ice, with possible presence of darker organic material ## Significance The discovery of 2007 OR10 has significant implications for our understanding of the **solar system** and the **Kuiper Belt**. As a **dwarf planet**, 2007 OR10 is a member of a new class of objects that are distinct from **planets** and **asteroids**. Its highly eccentric **orbit** and unusual **orbital configuration** make it an important target for further study, as it may provide insights into the **formation** and **evolution** of the solar system. INFOBOX: - **Name:** 2007 OR10 - **Type:** Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) / Dwarf Planet - **Date:** August 5, 2007 (discovery announced) - **Location:** Kuiper Belt, trans-Neptunian region - **Known For:** Highly eccentric orbit and unusual orbital configuration TAGS: Kuiper Belt, Dwarf Planet, Trans-Neptunian Object, Icy Body, Solar System, Asteroid, Planet, Space Exploration, Astronomy