Solar system has a new most-distant member
The red green and blue dots represent the location of 2012 VP113 |
The discovery of 2012 VP113 proves that Sedna was not something special. Instead, it might be part of several other planets that were formed by comets. The closest orbit to the sun of 2012 VP113 is 80 times the distance of the Earth to the Sun. Scott Sheppard believes that scientist should continue to search for planets like Sedna and 2012 VP113 because they can help us know more about the history of our solar system.Sedna and 2012 VP113 were found at their closest orbit to the Sun. If they were any farther it would be much more difficult to find them because the Sun's light wouldn't be able to reach them at a very long distance. Their AU's are in the hundreds range, while the rocky planets are within the first 5 AU.
Sources:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140326153725.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2012_VP113_discovery_image.jpg
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