Photo from open sources
The space object called Hygea has all the necessary parameters to be considered a dwarf planet. This is the sixth by a similar object in our solar system. All conclusions presented by researchers in the scientific publication Nature Astronomy
Fresh images of the cosmic body were obtained using Chilean telescope (VLT). Scientists have made sure that this object has all data to be considered a dwarf planet: the object rotates around our luminary, is not someone’s satellite, is not capable clear the region of its own orbit from other objects and has mass sufficient to take a spherical shape. Concerning last parameter, scientists have long doubted.
Further observations of the cosmic body allowed scientists more accurately establish its size and shape: its diameter is about 430 kilometers. It turns out that this cosmic body is the most small planet in our system. Earlier this “title” belonged Ceres with its diameter of 950 kilometers.
Currently, five planets have been discovered in the solar system, who are officially assigned the status of dwarf: Makemake, Eris, Haumea, Pluto and Ceres.
The dwarf planet Hygea in the main asteroid belt is considered fourth in size object. It was discovered in 1849. Annibale de Gasparis, astronomer from Italy, but only now managed to get more information about her.
Previously, NASA scientists discovered that our sun continues create planets.
Andrey Vetrov
Solar system time
