Key Information
Salacia
| Type | Trans Neptunian Object, possible a Dwarf Planet |
| Diameter | 525 x 530 x 538 miles |
| Distance | 3,921,247,773 |
| Orbit Time | 273.98 years |
| Length of Day | 6.09 hours |
| Atmosphere | None |
| Temperature | -374 °F |
| Date of Discovery | July 21, 2006 (Keith Noll, Harold Levison, Denise Stephens, William Grundy) |
| Moons | 1 |
Learning Point
- Salacia is a distant minor planet located in the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune. Discovered in 2006, this icy world orbits the Sun at a great distance, taking over 270 Earth years to complete one revolution. Salacia is particularly dark, reflecting very little sunlight, making it challenging to observe. Despite its remote location, this intriguing object provides valuable insights into the formation and development of our solar system.
Project
- Draw a picture of what you think Salacia looks like.
- Overview
- Orbit
Location
| Located in | Solar System, orbiting the Sun |
Fun Facts
- Salacia takes over 270 Earth years to orbit the Sun. That’s a long year!
- It is one of the darkest objects in the Kuiper Belt.It reflects very little sunlight, making it difficult to spot.
- It also has one known moon, Actaea. Together, they form a small family in the icy reaches of the Solar System.
- While not officially classified as a dwarf planet, Salacia meets many of the criteria and is considered a likely candidate.
Past Lessons
| 191 | August 27, 2024 | (North America) |