Key Information
Gonggong
| Type | Dwarf Planet & Trans-Neptunian Object |
| Diameter | About 764 miles |
| Distance from the Sun | 3,140,140,125 to 9,406,198,137 miles |
| Orbit Time | 554.37 years |
| Length of Day | Either 22.4 or 44.81 hours |
| Temperature | About -391 °F |
| Atmosphere | Unknown |
| Date of Discovery | 17 July 2007 |
| Moons | 1 (Xiangliu) |
Learning Point
- Gonggong is one of several important dwarf planets that exist beyond Neptune’s orbit. They are often called Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) and it has puzzled astronomers because of its apparent red colour. It has a large, elliptical orbit, and is accompanied by a small moon.
Project
- Analyse the picture of other larger Trans-Neptunian Objects and identify what is similar and what is different about each one.
- Overview
- Comparison
Location
| Located in | Solar System, orbiting the Sun |
Fun Facts
- It is named after a Chinese water god that is depicted as red.
- The name was picked after winning the most votes in a public vote.
- It was nicknamed “Snow White” by its discoverer as it was presumed white, and was found after seven other large TNOs.
- Although not certain, it is assumed to to be spheroid in shape, meaning it will be ball or disc like in some way.
Past Lessons
| 91 | May 20, 2024 | (North America) |