Kuiper Belt
The Kuiper Belt is a circumstellar disc in the outer Solar System, extending from the orbit of Neptune (at 30 astronomical units, AU) to approximately 50 AU from the Sun. Here are some key points about this region:
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Discovery and Naming: The concept of a trans-Neptunian belt of icy objects was proposed by Gerard Kuiper in 1951, though the idea predates his contribution. The belt was named after him, despite Kuiper himself initially doubting its existence.
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Composition: The Kuiper Belt consists mainly of small bodies, remnants from the early Solar System formation, composed of volatiles such as water, ammonia, and methane, often referred to as "ices". These bodies are known as Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs).
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Notable KBOs:
- Pluto, once considered the ninth planet, was reclassified as a dwarf planet and is the largest known body in the Kuiper Belt.
- Eris, another dwarf planet, is slightly smaller than Pluto but has a similar mass.
- Makemake and Haumea are other dwarf planets located within this belt.
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Structure and Dynamics: The belt is dynamically divided into the classical Kuiper Belt, the Scattered Disk, and the resonant populations. The classical belt contains objects with orbits that are relatively undisturbed since their formation, while the scattered disk contains objects whose orbits have been altered by Neptune's gravitational influence.
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Scientific Interest: The study of the Kuiper Belt provides insights into the formation and evolution of the Solar System. Missions like New Horizons have provided close-up views of Pluto and are planned to explore other KBOs.
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Historical Context: Interest in the Kuiper Belt was reignited with the discovery of 1992 QB1, the first KBO discovered after Pluto. This discovery confirmed the existence of a significant population of objects beyond Neptune.
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