The mysterious object that orbits the sun

It moves to the rhythm of Neptune orbiting on the outskirts of the solar system. A new article published in the magazine Planetary Science Journal explains it. The mysterious object that orbits the sun brings some questions for astronomers.

The object was called 2020 VN40. It is part of a class of minor planets known as transneptunian objects. It is the first confirmed body that orbits the sun once every ten Neptunian orbits. This rhythmic relationship is known as resonance.

Understanding Neptune

«This discovery helps expand our understanding of how the orbits of distant objects are influenced by Neptune. It is the most distant object confirmed in orbital resonance with Neptune. It provides vital tracks on how Neptune and the other giant planets reorganized after their formation ». He affirmed it in a statement Kathryn Volk, co -author of the article and senior scientific of the PSI (Planetary Science Institute).

The average distance of the object is 140 times higher than the sun than the Earth. And its orbit is inclined about 30 degrees with respect to the plane of the solar system. The discovery was made by the survey of distant objects of great inclination (Lido). The Canada-France-Hawái telescope was used. Monitoring observations were made with the Gemini Observatory and the Magellan-Baade Observatory.

Singularity

The novelty of 2020 VN40 lies in the unique way in which its orbit with Neptune synchronizes. Most of the objects in resonance with Neptune get closer to the sun when Neptune is far from them. This object, on the other hand, is closer to the sun when it is also close and Neptune. However, this only happens if an observer observes the solar system from above. In reality, the orbit of the object is inclined in such a way that it is well below the plane of the solar system when it is closer to the Sun and Neptune. Thus creates only an illusion of proximity to the gaseous giant.

The mysterious object that orbits the sun has unique characteristics. "The high orbital inclination of the object causes a novel type of resonant behavior," said Volk. «This behavior had not been observed before. Most transneptunian objects observed are closer to the planet plane, ”they explained.