An astronomical story to close out the year. The most-distant solar system object ever observed has been detected by astronomers. The outer solar system objects is described as a 'far out there' dwarf planet.
A new review by astronomers calls for Pluto to be re-classified as a planet, stating that the reasons given for downgrading the celestial body were invalid. If successful, Pluto would be reinstated as the ninth planet in the solar system.
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Methane ice dunes have been detected on the surface of Pluto, by NASA spacecraft. The structures offer a new insight into the dwarf planet and with the differences in planetary structures within our solar system.
A recently published study reveals scientists have detected carbon-based materials on the dwarf planet Ceres. These organic molecules are considered to be the building blocks of life on Earth and it is possible life exists on the dwarf planet.
Diagram showing a possible internal structure of Ceres
Wikipedia
Area where organic materials were found on Ceres. The warmer the colour, the higher the concentration.
NASA/JPL/CALTECH/UCLA/ASI/INAF/MPS/DLR/IDA
Dawn probe arriving at Ceres
Slooh
The fractured floor of Dantu Crater on Ceres as seen by NASA's Dawn spacecraft. Similar fractures are present in Tycho, one of the youngest large craters on Earth's moon. This cracking may have resulted from the cooling of impact melt, or when the crater floor was uplifted after the crater formed.
NASA/JPL
The Solar System, including the objects in question during the IAU's recent planet definition debate : Ceres, Pluto-Charon, and Eris.
The International Astronomical Union/Martin Kornmesser
Kupalo Crater is one of the youngest craters on Ceres. The crater has bright material exposed on its rim and walls, which could be salts. Its flat floor likely formed from impact melt and debris.
Kupalo, which measures 16 miles (26 kilometers) across and is located at southern mid-latitudes, is named for the Slavic god of vegetation and harvest.
NASA/JPL
The dwarf planet Ceres, also the largest asteroid in the solar system, is seen here in an amazing view from the Hubble Space Telescope.
NASA, ESA, J. Parker (Southwest Research Institute), L. McFadden (University of Maryland)
