Quaoar, a fascinating Kuiper Belt object, measures 690 miles (1,100 kilometers) in diameter. This makes it approximately half the size of Pluto, placing it among the larger bodies in the distant reaches of our solar system.
Understanding Quaoar's Dimensions
Discovered in 2002, Quaoar (pronounced "Kwa-war") is a significant trans-Neptunian object, meaning it orbits the Sun beyond Neptune. Its size was precisely characterized through observations by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which provided crucial data on this distant world.
Quaoar's Key Characteristics
To put Quaoar's size into perspective, consider the following details:
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 690 miles (1,100 kilometers) |
| Comparison | Roughly half the size of Pluto |
| Type | Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) |
| Observation | NASA's New Horizons spacecraft |
Quaoar in the Kuiper Belt
The Kuiper Belt is a vast disc-shaped region of icy bodies beyond the orbit of Neptune, extending from about 30 to 55 AU from the Sun. It is similar to the asteroid belt but much larger—20 times wider and 20 to 200 times more massive. Quaoar is one of the largest known objects within this belt, alongside other notable bodies like Pluto, Eris, Haumea, and Makemake. Its study offers valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system's outer reaches.
Quaoar also has a small moon, Weywot, highlighting its complex system and further underscoring its importance in understanding the dynamics of the outer solar system. For more information on celestial bodies like Quaoar, you can explore resources from NASA Science.
