ClassX Video Lessons 28978 Ixion — Dwarf Planet Candidate & trans-Neptunian Object | Dwarf Planet Song
28978 Ixion, also known as 2001 KX76, is a big and exciting object in space. It’s found in the Kuiper Belt, which is a region full of icy bodies located beyond the planet Neptune. Some scientists think Ixion might even be a dwarf planet! This makes it a fascinating object for astronomers and people who love learning about space.
Ixion was discovered in May 2001 by a team at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. An American astronomer named James L. Elliot was part of this team. They were working on a project called the Deep Ecliptic Survey, which looks for objects in the Kuiper Belt. This project has helped us learn a lot about the far reaches of our Solar System.
Ixion is part of a special group of objects called Plutinos. These objects have a unique way of orbiting the Sun, similar to the planet Neptune. This makes Ixion even more interesting to study!
Ixion is quite large, with a diameter of about 710 kilometers (or 440 miles). That’s pretty big! Its surface is thought to be reddish, possibly covered with ice and a thick layer of organic materials. These features make Ixion a great subject for scientists who want to learn more about it.
The name “Ixion” comes from Greek mythology. In these ancient stories, Ixion was the king of a tribe called the Lapiths. This mythological connection adds a fun and historical twist to Ixion’s identity, linking it to human stories and culture.
Ixion is an important object in the Kuiper Belt because it helps scientists understand more about the outer parts of our Solar System. As researchers continue to study Ixion, they hope to uncover more secrets about its characteristics and the mysteries of space.
Create Your Own Kuiper Belt Model: Gather some materials like clay or playdough, and create a model of the Kuiper Belt. Include Ixion and other objects you might know, like Pluto. Think about the size and distance of these objects from the Sun. Discuss with a friend or family member why the Kuiper Belt is important and what makes Ixion special.
Orbit Exploration Activity: Use a ball and a string to simulate the orbit of Ixion around the Sun. Attach the string to the ball and swing it around in a circle. Notice how the ball moves in a path similar to how Ixion orbits the Sun. Discuss how Ixion’s orbit is similar to Neptune’s and what makes it a Plutino.
Mythology and Space Connection: Research another space object named after a mythological figure. Compare its story with Ixion’s mythological background. Write a short story or draw a picture that combines elements of both myths. Share your creation with your class or family and explain how mythology adds an interesting layer to space exploration.
