NASA supported research helps redefine Solar System's edge

Credit: Scott Sheppard/Carnegie Institution for Science/NASA

http://www.nasa.gov/content/nasa-supported-research-helps-redefine-solar-systems-edge/index.html#.U5LKSdB_W2f / Solar System new most-distant family member scientists ground based observatories discovered object most distant orbit 2012 VP113 observations dwarf planet analyzed grant NASA dwarf planet in orbit Sun its own gravity spherical nearly round, shape Nature Kelly Fast scientist NASA's Planetary Astronomy Program Science Mission DirectorateSMD inner Oort Cloud working hypothesis observations analysis Chadwick Trujillo Gemini Observatory Hawaii Scott Sheppard Carnegie Institution Washington National Optical Astronomy Observatory Chile discover 2012 VP113 telescope operated Foundation of Universities for Research in Astronomy National Science Foundation Magellan 21 foot 6.5 meter telescope Carnegie’s Las Campanas Observatory Chile was determine orbit 2012 VP113 surface properties lead author astronomer inner Oort Cloud bodies discovery explore rocky planets Earth gas giant planets frozen objects Kuiper belt beyond Neptune's orbit Pluto Sedna orbit Kuiper Belt edge outer Oort cloud origin of some comets Kuiper Belt asteroid belt /