Makemake

Definition

Makemake is a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the outer Solar System beyond the orbit of Neptune. It is the second-brightest object in the Kuiper Belt, after Pluto, and was discovered in 2005. Makemake is a member of the Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), which are a class of distant, icy bodies that orbit the Sun beyond the orbit of Neptune.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Makemake is the second-brightest object in the Kuiper Belt, after Pluto, and is believed to be approximately two-thirds the size of Pluto.
2. Makemake has a reddish-orange color, indicating the presence of methane ice on its surface, and it is believed to have a thin atmosphere of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide.
3. The discovery of Makemake in 2005 by a team of astronomers led by Mike Brown of the California Institute of Technology was a significant event in the study of the Kuiper Belt.
4. Makemake is classified as a dwarf planet because it meets the criteria set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), including being large enough to be nearly round in shape and orbiting the Sun, but not having cleared the area of its orbit of other objects.
5. Makemake's orbit around the Sun is highly elliptical, with a perihelion (closest approach to the Sun) of approximately 38 AU and an aphelion (farthest distance from the Sun) of approximately 53 AU.

Review Questions

• Describe the location and characteristics of Makemake within the context of the Solar System's Kuiper Belt.
  • Makemake is a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the outer Solar System beyond the orbit of Neptune. As the second-brightest object in the Kuiper Belt, Makemake is a large, icy body with a reddish-orange color, indicating the presence of methane ice on its surface. Makemake is believed to have a thin atmosphere of nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide, and its orbit around the Sun is highly elliptical, ranging from approximately 38 AU at perihelion to 53 AU at aphelion. The discovery of Makemake in 2005 was a significant event in the study of the Kuiper Belt and the objects that reside within it.
• Explain how Makemake's classification as a dwarf planet relates to its characteristics and the criteria set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
  • Makemake is classified as a dwarf planet because it meets the specific criteria established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). As a dwarf planet, Makemake is large enough to be nearly round in shape, but it has not cleared the area of its orbit of other objects. This distinguishes Makemake from the larger, planet-sized bodies that have cleared their orbits, such as the eight major planets in the Solar System. The IAU's classification of Makemake as a dwarf planet is based on its size, shape, and orbital characteristics, which are key factors in determining the distinction between planets, dwarf planets, and other smaller Kuiper Belt Objects.
• Analyze how the discovery and study of Makemake and other Kuiper Belt Objects have contributed to our understanding of the early history and evolution of the outer Solar System.
  • The discovery and ongoing study of Makemake and other Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) have provided valuable insights into the early history and evolution of the outer Solar System. As remnants of the formation of the Solar System, these icy bodies offer clues about the processes and conditions that shaped the distant regions beyond Neptune's orbit. By analyzing the physical characteristics, orbits, and compositions of Makemake and other KBOs, astronomers can better understand the dynamics and interactions that occurred during the early stages of the Solar System's development. This knowledge helps to refine our models of planetary formation and the distribution of material in the outer Solar System, ultimately enhancing our overall understanding of the Solar System's origins and evolution.

Related terms

Kuiper Belt: The Kuiper Belt is a region of the Solar System beyond the orbit of Neptune, extending from approximately 30 to 50 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. It is home to many dwarf planets, including Makemake, as well as numerous other icy objects.

Dwarf Planet: A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the Sun, is large enough to be nearly round in shape, but has not cleared the area of its orbit of other objects. Makemake is classified as a dwarf planet, along with Pluto, Ceres, Eris, and a few others.

Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs): Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) are a class of icy bodies that orbit the Sun beyond the orbit of Neptune. They are remnants of the formation of the Solar System and provide insights into the early history and evolution of the outer Solar System.