The solar system and the cosmos in general harbors a large number of secrets that humanity is not even remotely close to discovering. However, over time, Efforts to unveil some of the more basic ones have borne fruit. An example of this are the Trans-Neptunian objects, peculiar cosmic entities that, until recently, had a different definition. All the conceptualized vision that was had about the number of planets that make up the solar system has changed today.
Initially, it was established that Pluto was the last of the planets that made up this part of the galaxy. However, a perspective engendered during recent times has completely reshaped this idea.
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Trans-Neptunian objects: This is what is known about them
Source: Wikipedia
As was well mentioned, the angle of view of the solar system has been modified by experts, coining a more appropriate term. Originally, Pluto was thought to be the last celestial being in the solar system, beyond the orbit of Neptune. Until then, it was unknown the exact existence of other planetoid entities similar to Pluto, so, for a time, that premise was maintained.
Thanks to more precise investigations and correct conclusions, it was found that Pluto was not alone, but was part of a larger network. Beyond its limits, a number of relevant trans-Neptunian objects were discovered in the same way.
So how can these “objects” be defined? Well, it's simple. Each of these trans-Neptunian objects has an orbit like most entities in the cosmos. Therefore, they are included within that term when said orbit is beyond Neptune, totally or partially speaking.
That's right, Pluto is not alone; however, it does not mean that the rest of these objects present an absolute pre-eminence. Quite the opposite, most exhibit negligible size compared to Pluto. Although, in the same way there is also evidence of some with importance and scientific value.
It is not known exactly how they got there, but several hypotheses establish that once They were part of the creation of the great planets. They are classified or divided according to the orbital resonance type influence they exert on Neptune. Those who possess such a characteristic are the so-called Plutinos; while those that don't are known as Cubewanos.
Are you curious? These are the known trans-Neptunian entities!
Undoubtedly, the number of objects with these characteristics are practically countless and studies indicate that there could be more. Of all possible shapes and sizes, with elliptical or traditional orbits, trans-Neptunians extend beyond Neptune. Despite their distance, eventually their behavior has been discovered and with each passing day, new mysteries are revealed.
To correctly establish their position and relationship with respect to Neptune, they have been included in different groups or categories. Each classification refers to areas completely removed from the heat of the Sun, where temperatures are inhumanly cold, with no chance of life.
First of all, lies the Kuiper Belt, whose constitution encompasses entities with more and less orbital resonance over Neptune. In turn, at an equivalent distance, is the Scattered Disk and the Oort Cloud.
Each one is full of remarkable trans-Neptunians, studied by current science and forming part of a blog of recent discoveries. Surely, investigating more about it, step by step others will appear on the scene, bringing with it new truths about the Solar System as we know it.
The Kuiper Belt: A field full of objects with influence on Neptune.
You could say that this part of the solar system is similar to a meadow full of trees, only the trees are trans-Neptunian objects. The number of these objects is vast, so, in turn and as already mentioned, they are subdivided into an important fact: their influence on Neptune.
said influence is mediated by a premise known as orbital resonance, a phenomenon that is capable of modifying the orbits of celestial bodies. Therefore, those that have alternate resonance with Neptune are subdivided according to the scale in which they carry out such an effect.
Those of 3:2 resonance are the most important, called Plutinos, due to its characteristics similar to Pluto. As expected, within this group is the dwarf planet along with other renowned ones such as Charon, Haumea and Makemake.
On the other hand, also hosts the famous Cubewanos, whose influence on Neptune is null or insignificant. Among them, some like Quaoar, Varuna or Logos, are frequently sighted for constant study.
Scattered Disk and Oort Cloud: Beyond the Kuiper Belt
Source: Wikipedia
Regarding the scattered Disk, very little has been discovered about it. Its distance and sighting is particularly difficult, but even so, just over 80 bodies named "scattered objects" have been discovered. The most important is Eris, with dimensions proportional to Pluto itself.
The majority of the scientific community establishes that, initially, They were part of the Kuiper Belt., but were eventually pushed by orbital resonance.
What does this mean? Basically, scattered objects have unstable orbits and by themselves, coupled with the effect of Neptune, over time they will be separated even beyond the Oort Cloud.
On the other side of the coin, the famous Oort Cloud also plays an important role in scientific discoveries. It is made up of the Hills Cloud or discoidal outer rim and an inner rim with a spherical structure.
For practical purposes, it is located relatively close to the outer reaches of the solar system due to the orbital resonance exerted by the large planets. It is a crucial part of various hypotheses, the most currently used being the one that dictates that it can be the origin of Halley-type comets. As if that were not enough, it is the main headquarters of a trans-Neptunian object known as Sedna, one of the main scientific entities most investigated since it has been known about it.