Kuiper Belt Object (Noun)
Meaning
Any of many minor planets in the Kuiper belt outside the orbit of Neptune at the edge of the solar system.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- A Kuiper belt object was discovered with a diameter of approximately 500 miles, making it a dwarf planet candidate.
- Sedna is a Kuiper belt object that takes about 11,400 years to complete one orbit around the Sun.
- The mission will study the geology and composition of a Kuiper belt object to learn more about the early solar system.
- Quaoar is a Kuiper belt object that has a moderately eccentric orbit, which takes it as close as 28 astronomical units from the Sun.
- By studying the orbits of many Kuiper belt objects, astronomers can gain insights into the history of the solar system's formation.