What are the distinguishing features of the planet Makemake?
Makemake is one of the five officially recognized dwarf planets in the Solar System. It was discovered in 2005 by a team led by Michael E. Brown and is named after the creator god of the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island. Located beyond Neptune in the Kuiper Belt, Makemake is about two-thirds the size of Pluto and has a surface covered in methane, ethane, and nitrogen ices, giving it a bright, white appearance. Its atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen.
Makemake's most distinguishing feature is its lack of atmosphere. Unlike Pluto, which has a thin atmosphere composed mainly of nitrogen and methane, Makemake's atmosphere is essentially non-existent. This makes it an ideal target for studying the Kuiper Belt and the early history of the Solar System.
Makemake also has a particularly elongated orbit, which takes it out to a distance of nearly 53 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun at aphelion, and as close as 38.5 AU at perihelion. It has no known moons or ring system.
- Can You Tell The Age Of A Dog By The Size Of Its Ears
- What Is The History And Significance Of The Louvre Museum And What Are Some Of Its Most Famous Exhibits
- What Is The Most Common Type Of Vegetable Juice Consumed In The World
- What Is The Role Of The International Monetary Fund In The Global Economy
- What Are The Key Beliefs Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints
- How Does Nato Address Issues Related To The Proliferation Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction
- How Did The Rise Of E Commerce Impact American Retail In 2021
- Which Animal Has The Most Extended Period Of Parental Care
- Can You Share Any Recent Breakthroughs In Computer Vision That You Find Particularly Exciting
- Can You Tell The Age Of A Beetle By The Size Of Its Antennae