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V774104

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V774104
Discovery[1]
Discovery siteSubaru Telescope
Discovery date13 October 2015
Orbital characteristics
Observation arc~2 weeks as of last report[2]
Physical characteristics
Dimensions500-1000 km[3][1]
~24[1][a]
~4[4][1]

V774104 is a trans-Neptunian object (TNO) with a radius roughly half that of Pluto or somewhat smaller. Currently it is approximately 103 AU from the Sun,[5][6] a distance of 15.4 billion kilometers (9.6 billion miles).[7] As of the discovery announcement in November 2015, it is the most distant observed object in the Solar System.[6][8]

Discovery

The object's discovery telescope, Subaru (Japanese name for the Pleiades) on the far left, alongside the twin Keck telescopes and NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility

V774104 was discovered by a team using the Subaru Telescope, a large reflecting telescope at the summit of Mauna Kea with a primary mirror 8 meters (26 ft) in diameter.[3] The discovery was announced at the November 2015 meeting of the American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences; the discovery team was led by Scott Sheppard and Chad Trujillo.[8]

Orbit

No astrometry has been released publicly so the object does not have a minor planet designation and the uncertainties of the orbital elements are unknown. Being a trans-Neptunian object so far from the Sun with an observation arc of just a few weeks at the time of its discovery announcement,[2] its perihelion and aphelion have not been securely determined.[b]

Possible sednoid

The orbit of Sedna (in red), the prototypical sednoid, set against the orbits of Pluto (purple) and the outer planets

V774104 may or may not be a sednoid, an enigmatic class of objects in the outer Solar System with only two known members. Sednoids have eccentric orbits that were obviously perturbed by something, but which could not have been perturbed by any presently known body (their entire orbits lie well outside the influence of Neptune). To qualify as a sednoid, when orbital assessment is permitted by an observation arc closer to 1 year, V774104 will need to have perihelion greater than 50 AU and a semi-major axis greater than 150 AU. Only 3 objects are known to have perihelia (closest approach to the Sun) greater than 50 AU: 90377 Sedna, 2012 VP113, and 2004 XR190.[10][11] But 2004 XR190 has a low orbital eccentricity with perihelion at 51 AU.[10] Sedna and 2012 VP113 have both had their perihelion point lifted well beyond the classic Kuiper belt of 30–50 AU. If V774104 is a sednoid or extreme trans-Neptunian object, it may point towards an undiscovered shepherding planet hundreds of astronomical units from the Sun.[3][7] It is more likely, however, that the lifted perihelion was a result of the crowded confines of the open star cluster in which the Sun formed.[3] Discovery of additional sednoids and analysis of their orbits should eventually permit identification of the process by which their orbits were disturbed.[12]

Most distant Solar System object

Many news sources heralded V774104 as "the most distant Solar System object".[8] However, various long period and hyperbolic comets are more distant;[7] all of these are much smaller bodies and not observable at such distances.[c][d]

Positions of known outer Solar System objects
  Sun
  Jupiter trojans (6,178)
  Scattered disc (>300)   Giant planets: J · S · U · N
  Centaurs (44,000)
  Kuiper belt (>1,000)
(scale in AU; epoch as of January 2015; # of objects in parentheses)

These Solar System minor planets are the furthest from the Sun as of December 2021. The objects have been categorized by their approximate current distance from the Sun, and not by the calculated aphelion of their orbit. The list changes over time because the objects are moving in their orbits. Some objects are inbound and some are outbound. It would be difficult to detect long-distance comets if it were not for their comas, which become visible when heated by the Sun. Distances are measured in astronomical units (AU, Sun–Earth distances). The distances are not the minimum (perihelion) or the maximum (aphelion) that may be achieved by these objects in the future.

This list does not include near-parabolic comets of which many are known to be currently more than 100 AU (15 billion km) from the Sun, but are currently too far away to be observed by telescope. Trans-Neptunian objects are typically announced publicly months or years after their discovery, so as to make sure the orbit is correct before announcing it. Due to their greater distance from the Sun and slow movement across the sky, trans-Neptunian objects with observation arcs less than several years often have poorly constrained orbits. Particularly distant objects take several years of observations to establish a crude orbit solution before being announced. For instance, the most distant known trans-Neptunian object 2018 AG37 was discovered by Scott Sheppard in January 2018 but was announced three years later in February 2021.[13]

Noted objects

One particularly distant body is 90377 Sedna, which was discovered in November 2003. It has an extremely eccentric orbit that takes it to an aphelion of 937 AU.[14] It takes over 10,000 years to orbit, and during the next 50 years it will slowly move closer to the Sun as it comes to perihelion at a distance of 76 AU from the Sun.[15] Sedna is the largest known sednoid, a class of objects that play an important role in the Planet Nine hypothesis.

Pluto (30–49 AU, about 34 AU in 2015) was the first Kuiper belt object to be discovered (1930) and is the largest known dwarf planet.

Known distant objects

This is a list of known objects at heliocentric distances of more than 65 AU. In theory, the Oort cloud could extend over 120,000 AU (2 ly) from the Sun.

Most distant observable objects in the Solar System as of December 2021[16]
Object name Distance from the Sun (AU) Radial velocity
(AU/yr)[e] 		Perihelion Aphelion Semimajor
axis 		Apparent
magnitude 		Absolute
magnitude (H) 		Important dates
December 2021 December 2015 Discovered Announced
Great Comet of 1680
(for comparison) 		258.0[17] 255.4[17] +0.47[17] 0.006 889 444 Unknown Unknown 1680-11-14 —
Voyager 1
(for comparison) 		152.9[17] 133.3[17] +3.57[17] 8.90 ∞
Hyperbolic		 −3.2[18] ~50 ~28 — —
2018 AG37 132.9±1.8 131.9±10.7 ±0.2(?) 27.1 145.0 86.0 25.4 4.2 2018-01-15 2021-02-10
Voyager 2
(for comparison) 		129.4[17] 109.7[17] +3.17[17] 21.2 ∞
Hyperbolic		 −4.0[18] ~48 ~28 — —
Pioneer 10
(for comparison) 		128.9[17] 114.8[17] +2.51[17] 4.94 ∞
Hyperbolic		 ~49 ~29 — —
2018 VG18 123.6 123.2 +0.06 37.8 123.9 81.3 24.6 3.7 2018-11-10 2018-12-17
2020 BE102 110.9 111.7 32.9 116.9 74.9 25.6 5.1 2020-01-24 2022-05-31
Pioneer 11
(for comparison) 		107.7[17] 92.5[17] +2.35[17] 9.45 ∞
Hyperbolic		 ~48 ~29 — —
2020 FY30 98.9 99.9 –0.17 35.6 107.7 71.6 24.8 4.7 2020-03-24 2021-02-14
2020 FA31 97.3 96.5 +0.14 39.5 102.4 71.0 25.4 5.4 2020-03-24 2021-02-14
Eris
136199 		95.9 96.3 −0.07 38.3 97.5 67.9 18.8 −1.21 2003-10-21 2005-07-29
2020 FQ40 92.4 92.7 –0.05 38.2 93.1 65.6 25.7 6.1 2020-03-24 2022-05-31
2015 TH367[b] 90.3 88.2 +0.42 28.9 136.4 82.6 26.3 6.6 2015-10-13 2018-03-13
2021 DR15 89.6 88.6 +0.17(?) 37.8 96.5 67.2 23.1 3.6 2021-02-17 2021-12-17
2014 UZ224 89.5 92.0 −0.45 38.3 177.0 107.6 23.2 3.4 2014-10-21 2016-08-28
Gonggong
225088 		88.7 87.4 +0.23 33.7 101.2 67.5 21.5 1.6 2007-07-17 2009-01-07
2015 FG415 87.2 87.9 −0.14 36.2 92.1 64.1 25.5 6.0 2015-03-17 2019-03-27
2014 FC69 85.5 84.1 +0.26 40.4 104.4 72.4 24.2 4.6 2014-03-25 2015-02-11
2006 QH181 84.6 83.3 +0.22 37.5 96.7 67.1 23.7 4.3 2006-08-21 2006-11-05
Sedna
90377 		84.2 85.8 −0.29 76.3 892.6 484.4 21.0 1.3 2003-11-14 2004-03-15
2015 VO166 84.3 82.5 +0.32 38.3 113.2 75.8 25.5 5.9 2015-11-06 2018-10-02
2012 VP113 84.2 83.3 +0.16 80.4 442.6 261.5 23.5 4.0 2012-11-05 2014-03-26
2013 FS28 83.5 85.9 −0.62 34.2 358.2 196.2 24.3 4.9 2013-03-16 2016-08-29
2017 SN132 82.8 80.4 +0.44 42.0 110.0 76.0 25.2 5.8 2017-09-16 2019-02-10
2019 EU5 81.7 85.5 46.5 2310 1178 25.6 6.4 2019-03-05 2021-12-17
2015 UH87[b] 81.3 82.3 −0.19 34.3 90.0 62.2 25.2 6.0 2015-10-16 2018-03-12
2013 FY27
532037 		79.7 80.3 −0.10 35.2 82.1 58.7 22.2 3.2 2013-03-17 2014-03-31
2021 DP15 79.7 76.2 29.1 204.1 116.6 25.4 6.2 2021-02-16 2021-12-17
2015 TJ367[b] 79.4 77.1 +0.42 33.6 128.1 80.9 25.8 6.7 2015-10-13 2018-03-13
2017 FO161 78.1 79.1 −0.18 34.1 85.5 59.8 23.3 4.3 2017-03-23 2018-04-02
Leleākūhonua
541132 		77.6 79.8 −0.40 65.2 2,106 1,085 24.6 5.5 2015-10-13 2018-10-01
2018 AD39 77.2 74.1 –0.58 38.4 287.9 163.2 25.0 6.2 2018-01-15 2021-02-13
2020 FB31 75.8 76.8 –0.19 34.4 83.3 59.1 24.5 5.6 2020-03-24 2021-02-14
2018 AK39 75.3 75.4 –0.01 27.3 75.4 51.4 25.3 6.5 2018-01-18 2021-02-18
2021 LL37 73.9 74.2 –0.05 36.1 74.6 55.4 22.7 4.0 2021-06-02 2022-05-31
2010 GB174 73.6 70.7 +0.54 48.7 630.7 339.7 25.3 6.5 2010-04-12 2013-04-30
2015 VJ168 73.4 72.4 +0.19 37.6 81.5 59.5 24.8 5.8 2015-11-06 2018-10-03
2015 DU249 73.1 72.7 +0.06 34.7 73.7 54.2 23.9 5.2 2015-02-17 2018-07-23
2014 FJ72 72.6 70.1 +0.46 38.4 148.2 93.3 24.4 5.6 2014-03-24 2016-08-31
2016 TS97[b] 71.2 71.5 −0.04 36.2 71.7 54.0 24.9 6.1 2016-10-06 2018-04-02
2015 GN55 71.0 72.1 −0.19 32.5 78.4 55.5 24.6 5.8 2015-04-13 2018-09-02
2015 VL168 69.7 72.1 –0.44 37.7 136.0 86.8 24.7 6.1 2015-11-07 2018-10-03
2020 BA95 69.6 68.4 +0.20 35.9 76.5 56.2 24.3 5.8 2020-01-25 2021-12-17
2015 RZ277 69.3 67.5 +0.32 34.7 90.5 62.6 25.6 6.8 2015-09-08 2018-10-01
2021 DJ17 69.0 69.2 40.4 69.4 54.9 23.2 6.7 2021-02-17 2022-05-31
2012 FH84 68.8 68.4 +0.07 41.9 70.1 56.0 25.8 7.2 2012-03-25 2016-06-07
2019 AC77 68.7 69.9 –0.21 35.0 79.0 57.0 25.0 6.6 2019-01-11 2021-02-14
2015 GR50 68.6 68.2 +0.07 38.2 69.7 54.0 25.2 6.6 2015-04-13 2016-08-31
2013 FQ28 68.4 67.3 +0.19 45.6 80.0 62.7 24.5 6.0 2013-03-17 2016-06-07
2011 GM89 68.3 68.5 –0.24 36.5 68.8 52.7 25.7 7.1 2011-04-04 2016-08-31
2021 DQ15 68.3 71.4 27.8 130.9 79.3 24.7 6.3 2021-02-16 2021-12-17
2021 DG17 67.6 66.7 +0.15 47.5 75.8 61.7 23.2 5.0 2021-02-17 2022-05-31
2015 GP50 67.5 68.1 –0.10 40.4 70.0 55.2 25.0 6.5 2015-04-14 2016-06-07
2016 CD289 67.2 66.2 +0.18 37.5 74.0 55.8 25.7 7.3 2016-02-05 2018-03-13
2018 VJ137 67.2 69.7 –0.42 37.8 139.3 88.5 25.2 6.9 2018-01-15 2021-02-13
2020 KV11 67.1 64.1 +0.50 35.0 155.0 95.6 25.6 7.3 2020-05-29 2022-11-02
2014 UD228 66.7 65.7 +0.18 36.7 73.3 55.0 24.5 6.1 2014-10-22 2017-12-07
2016 GB277 66.2 68.3 –0.39 40.0 119.4 79.7 25.6 7.3 2016-04-10 2020-06-04
2016 GZ276 66.1 69.2 –0.56 38.6 253.6 146.1 25.3 7.0 2016-04-10 2020-06-03
2014 FL72 66.1 63.3 +0.47 38.0 167.1 102.5 25.1 6.8 2014-03-26 2016-08-31
2016 TQ120[b] 65.8 63.7 +0.37 42.3 114.3 78.3 25.0 6.7 2016-10-06 2020-06-04
2015 RQ281 65.7 62.7 +0.56 36.9 210.6 123.8 25.1 6.8 2015-09-05 2019-03-27
2020 BS60[b] 65.7 68.0 –0.42 31.0 104.1 67.6 24.6 6.5 2020-01-26 2021-02-23
2013 UJ15 65.4 64.8 +0.11 37.2 67.4 52.3 25.4 7.0 2013-10-28 2016-08-31
2019 EV5 65.3 63.5 +0.30 32.0 79.8 55.9 25.8 7.6 2020-03-05 2021-12-17
2014 FD70 65.2 63.8 +0.26 35.9 78.6 57.3 25.1 6.9 2014-03-25 2018-04-02
2018 AZ18 65.1 65.9 –0.15 39.1 70.5 54.8 26.0 7.7 2018-01-15 2019-03-27
2015 KV167 65.0 65.2 –0.03 38.0 65.3 51.6 25.6 7.2 2015-05-18 2018-03-13
2018 VO35 65.0 67.8 –0.51 35.2 152.2 93.7 24.9 6.8 2018-11-10 2019-02-10
2020 KX11[b] 65.0 65.0 –0.01 64.6 67.1 65.9 26.4 8.2 2020-05-29 2020-09-25
This table includes all observable objects currently located at least 65 AU from the Sun.[16]


Observed Solar System objects that periodically become more distant than 103 AU from the Sun include Sedna (which is similar or modestly larger in size), 2000 CR105, 2012 DR30, 2013 BL76, and 2005 VX3. There are 589 known objects that have aphelia more than 103 AU from the Sun.[19] This distance is about double the outer limit of the torus-shaped Kuiper Belt that lies outside Neptune's orbit. Far beyond this region is the the vast spherical Oort cloud enshrouding the Solar System, whose presence was deduced from the orbits of long-period comets.

Study of the population of Solar System objects that are significantly more distant than V774104 will likely require new instruments. The proposed Whipple spacecraft mission is designed to determine the outer limit of the Kuiper belt and directly detect Oort cloud objects out to 10,000 AU. Such objects are too small to detect with current telescopes except during stellar occultations. The proposal involves use of a wide field of view and rapid recording cadence to allow detection of many such events.[20]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The size estimate of 500-1000 km leads to an absolute magnitude (H) of 3.5-4.0, which at 103 AU is apparent magnitude 24-24.5.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h For comparison Trans-Neptunian object 2015 SO20 with an observation arc of only 28 days had large uncertainties for perihelion and aphelion.[9]
  3. ^ For example, as of 2015, comet C/1927 X1 (Skjellerup-Maristany) is 109 AU from the Sun
  4. ^ At the time of discovery, the Voyager and Pioneer 10 spacecraft were also more distant.
  5. ^ AU/yr indicates whether the object is moving inwards or outwards in its orbit, and the rate at which it does so.

References

  1. ^ a b c d Kelly Beatty (21 November 2015). "V774104: Solar System's Most Distant Object". Sky & Telescope. Retrieved 2015-11-22.
  2. ^ a b Cofield, C. (2015-11-12). "New Dwarf Planet In Our Solar System May Be The Farthest One Yet". Space.com. Retrieved 2015-11-13.
  3. ^ a b c d "Most distant solar system object yet could hint at hidden planet". New Scientist. 10 November 2015.
  4. ^ "Absolute Magnitude (H)". NASA/JPL.
  5. ^ WIRED, Solar System's most distant object hints at hidden planet
  6. ^ a b Hand, E. (2015-11-10). "Astronomers spot most distant object in the solar system, could point to other rogue planets". News.ScienceMag.org. AAAS. Retrieved 2015-11-11.
  7. ^ a b c Astronomy Now Magazine - Newly discovered dwarf planet is solar system’s most distant object
  8. ^ a b c BBC News, Most distant' Solar System object spied
  9. ^ "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: (2015 SO20)" (last observation: 2015-10-18 ; arc: 28 days). Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2015-11-13.
  10. ^ a b "JPL Small-Body Database Search Engine: q > 50 (AU)". JPL Solar System Dynamics. Retrieved 2015-11-12.
  11. ^ "Minor Planet Center: q > 50 (AU)". Minor Planet Center. Retrieved 2015-11-12.
  12. ^ Schwamb, M. E. (2007). "Searching for Sedna's Sisters: Exploring the inner Oort cloud" (PDF). Cal Tech. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-05-12. Retrieved 2015-11-15. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  13. ^ "MPEC 2021-C187 : 2018 AG37". Minor Planet Electronic Circular. Minor Planet Center. 10 February 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  14. ^ Horizons output. "Barycentric Osculating Orbital Elements for 90377 Sedna (2003 VB12)". Retrieved 18 September 2021. (Solution using the Solar System barycenter. Select Ephemeris Type:Elements and Center:@0) (Saved Horizons output file 2011-Feb-04 "Barycentric Osculating Orbital Elements for 90377 Sedna". Archived from the original on 19 November 2012.) In the second pane "PR=" can be found, which gives the orbital period in days (4.160E+06, which is 11,390 Julian years).
  15. ^ Most Distant Object In Solar System Discovered; NASA.gov; (2004)
  16. ^ a b "AstDyS-2, Asteroids – Dynamic Site". Retrieved 2021-12-17. Objects with distance from Sun over 65 AU
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o JPL Horizons On-Line Ephemeris System. "JPL Horizons On-Line Ephemeris". Retrieved 2021-02-10.
    Ephemeris Type: Vector; Observer Location: @sun; Time Span: Start=2015-12-01, Stop=2021-06-01, Intervals=1; Table Settings: quantities code=6
  18. ^ a b "Voyager - Hyperbolic Orbital Elements".
  19. ^ "JPL Small-Body Database Search Engine: Q > 103 (AU)". JPL Solar System Dynamics. Retrieved 2015-11-12.
  20. ^ The Whipple Mission Exploring the Oort Cloud and the Kuiper Belt - C Alcock et al.


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