Scientists discover possible distant dwarf planet with eccentric orbit

Researchers from the Institute for Advanced Study’s School of Natural Sciences have identified a potential dwarf planet, 2017 OF201, which they describe as an “extreme cousin” of Pluto. The object has an exceptionally eccentric orbit, taking 25,000 years to complete one trip around the Sun. At an estimated one-third the diameter of Pluto, it may meet the size criteria for a dwarf planet.

Its orbit stretches over 1,600 times farther from the Sun than Earth at its farthest point, and comes as close as 44.5 times Earth’s orbit—comparable to Pluto. Scientists believe its unusual path may be due to gravitational encounters with a giant planet.

Detected through seven years of observations and 19 exposures using the Victor M. Blanco and Canada-France-Hawaii telescopes, researchers suggest many similar distant objects may exist but remain undetectable. The discovery highlights how much of the outer solar system remains unexplored.