Astronomers are abuzz after discovering a new object beyond Neptune, challenging our current understanding of the solar system’s history. Called 2023 KQ14, nicknamed “Ammonite,” this unique trans-Neptunian object has sparked debate among scientists about its classification and potential impact on our knowledge of the solar system.
Initially classified as a sednoid, an object similar to Sedna, Ammonite orbits beyond Neptune with a highly eccentric path. Its diameter is estimated between 137 and 236 miles (220-380 kilometers), significantly smaller than Pluto’s 1,477-mile diameter. However, its orbit takes approximately 4,000 Earth-years to complete.
The discovery raises questions about the existence of “Planet Nine,” a hypothetical planet proposed by scientists. Ammonite’s unusual orbital path doesn’t align with other sednoids, challenging this theory. Instead, it suggests that a planet may have existed in the past but was ejected from its orbit, leaving behind only gravitational influence.
Further research using advanced telescopes like the Subaru Telescope and Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope is necessary to confirm Ammonite’s orbit and understand the implications of its discovery. The age of this object, estimated at 4.5 billion years old, makes it a “fossil” of the early solar system, providing valuable insights into the solar system’s formation.
As our understanding of the solar system continues to evolve, discoveries like Ammonite push us closer to unraveling its mysteries. With more exploration and research, we may uncover answers about the history and potential for new celestial bodies in our cosmic neighborhood.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2025/07/19/complete-guide-to-ammonite-the-solar-systems-latest-member