10 Surprising Facts About Makemake: The Dwarf Planet That’s Farther From the Sun Than Pluto
When we think of dwarf planets in our solar system, we often only think of one: Pluto. However, there are other dwarf planets that are equally fascinating and deserving of attention. One of these is Makemake, a dwarf planet located in the outer reaches of our solar system. Makemake was discovered in 2005 and has been the subject of scientific study ever since. In this article, we’ll explore 10 surprising facts about Makemake that you probably didn’t know.
1. Makemake’s Name Has Deep Roots
Makemake is named after a god of creation in the mythology of the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island. The name is fitting since Makemake is one of the largest and most massive objects in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune that is filled with icy bodies and dwarf planets.
2. Makemake is One of the Reddest Objects in the Solar System
Scientists studying the color of Makemake have noticed that it is one of the reddest objects in our solar system. This is due to the presence of tholins, organic compounds that are created when energy from the sun interacts with methane and nitrogen on Makemake’s surface.
3. Makemake is About 870 Miles in Diameter
Makemake is roughly two-thirds the size of Pluto, with a diameter of about 870 miles. It is the third-largest known object in the Kuiper Belt, after Eris and Pluto.
4. Makemake Has No Atmosphere
Unlike Pluto, which has a thin atmosphere, Makemake has no atmosphere to speak of. This makes it challenging to study the surface of the planet, as there is no protective layer to shield it from space debris or radiation.
5. Makemake Has a Slow Rotation
Makemake has a slow rotation of about 22.5 hours. This means that a day on Makemake is much longer than a day on Earth, which has a rotation period of just under 24 hours.
6. Makemake Has a Small Moon
In 2015, scientists discovered that Makemake has a small moon orbiting around it. The moon, which has been named MK2, is thought to be about 100 miles in diameter and orbits Makemake at a distance of about 13,000 miles.
7. Makemake is Farther From the Sun Than Pluto
Makemake is located in the outer reaches of our solar system, beyond the orbit of Neptune. It is about 4.4 billion miles from the sun, making it one of the most distant objects in our solar system. Despite this distance, Makemake still orbits the sun in a period of about 310 years.
8. Makemake is Covered in Methane Frost
Observations of Makemake using the Hubble Space Telescope have revealed that its surface is covered in methane frost. This frost is created when methane gas in Makemake’s atmosphere freezes onto the surface of the planet.
9. Makemake’s Orbit is More Eccentric Than Pluto’s
Makemake’s orbit around the sun is much more eccentric than Pluto’s, which means it follows a more elongated path. This makes it even more challenging to study Makemake, as its distance from the sun varies wildly throughout its orbit.
10. Makemake’s Discovery Led to a Reclassification of What Constitutes a Planet
The discovery of Makemake, along with other dwarf planets in our solar system, led to a reclassification of what constitutes a planet. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union declared that a planet must meet three criteria: it must orbit the sun, it must be spherical in shape, and it must have cleared its orbit of other debris. By this definition, Pluto and Makemake are both considered dwarf planets.
In conclusion, Makemake is a fascinating and mysterious object in our solar system. Despite being located in the far reaches of the Kuiper Belt, it has captured the attention of scientists and space enthusiasts alike. From its red color to its eccentric orbit, Makemake continues to reveal new surprises and information about our solar system.
