Fact 1
In terms of size, this dwarf planet can be compared to Pluto, one of the largest dwarf planets in the Solar System. Despite this, it remained unnoticed by astronomers for a long time. Today, it is considered one of the largest celestial bodies among the classical objects of the Kuiper Belt.
Fact 2
After its discovery, this dwarf planet was initially designated 2005 FY9. Only three years later did it receive its official name. Because the discovery occurred a few days after Easter, astronomers informally nicknamed it the “Easter Bunny.”
Since classical Kuiper Belt objects are often named after figures from the creation myths of different cultures, this celestial body was eventually named after the supreme deity of the Rapanui people of Easter Island.
Fact 3
This dwarf planet has one of the highest albedos in the Solar System, reflecting about 70% of the sunlight that falls on its surface. Because of this high reflectivity, some amateur astronomers are able to observe it using moderate-sized telescopes.
Fact 4
Although this celestial body was officially discovered in 2005, later archival studies revealed that astronomers might have observed it much earlier. When examining archival photographs, the object was found in several images. The oldest known photograph dates back to 1955.
Fact 5
Because it is located very far from the Sun, the surface of this dwarf planet is extremely cold. Its surface temperature ranges from approximately –238°C to –243°C.
For a long time, it was believed that this plutoid had no natural satellites. However, in 2016, astronomers discovered a moon orbiting it. The diameter of this satellite is estimated to be around 100–200 kilometers, although very little is currently known about it. The moon was discovered using the Hubble Space Telescope.
Fact 6
It is possible that this dwarf planet sometimes develops a thin atmosphere. Large amounts of methane ice have been found on its surface. When the planet reaches the closest point in its orbit to the Sun, some of this ice may evaporate and temporarily form an atmosphere. However, the gases soon freeze again and fall back to the surface.
Fact 7
This dwarf planet has a brownish-red color and somewhat resembles the planet Mars. Scientists believe that this bright color is caused by the presence of large amounts of tholins, which are complex organic compounds. Such substances are also found on many other small bodies in the Solar System.
Fact 8
A significant part of the planet’s surface is covered with frozen methane ice. Studies suggest that this ice has an unusual structure and may form crystal grains up to 1 centimeter in diameter. This phenomenon is likely caused by a combination of low temperatures, weak gravity, and other physical factors.
Fact 9
This dwarf planet rotates around its axis very rapidly. A single day on this celestial body lasts only 7.65 hours. The exact tilt of its rotational axis is still unknown, so it is not yet clear whether seasonal changes occur there.
Fact 10
The surface area of this dwarf planet is about 6,300,000 km². This is roughly three times smaller than the territory of Russia. If this celestial body were a country on Earth, it would rank 7th among the largest countries in the world, between Australia and India in terms of area.