Makemake is a really cool dwarf planet in our solar system. It’s the third largest one we know about! Scientists discovered it in 2005 at the Palomar Observatory, and in 2008, it got its official name from the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The name “Makemake” comes from the creator god of the Rapa Nui people from Easter Island, which makes it pretty special.
Makemake is known for its bright red color and its almost perfectly round shape. It’s called a plutoid because it orbits the Sun beyond Neptune, in a place called the Kuiper Belt. This area is full of other dwarf planets, comets, and asteroids.
One interesting thing about Makemake is that it doesn’t have an atmosphere. This means its surface is quite unique. Its reddish-brown color is likely due to tholins, which are complex organic molecules. These molecules form when ultraviolet light from the Sun hits the materials on Makemake’s surface.
Makemake travels around the Sun in the Kuiper Belt, a region filled with icy objects and leftovers from when the solar system was formed. It’s super cold on Makemake, with temperatures around -239 degrees Celsius! That’s way colder than any place on Earth.
Makemake is a fascinating dwarf planet that helps scientists learn more about our solar system. Its special features and location give us clues about how planets and other celestial bodies formed and changed over time. As we continue to explore space, we might discover even more exciting things about Makemake!
Makemake Model Creation: Gather some clay or playdough and create your own model of Makemake. Try to make it as round as possible and use red and brown colors to represent its surface. As you create your model, think about why Makemake is round and what makes its surface unique. Discuss with a friend or family member why Makemake doesn’t have an atmosphere and how this affects its appearance.
Temperature Experiment: Makemake is extremely cold, with temperatures around -239 degrees Celsius. To understand how cold this is, fill a bowl with ice and water. Place a thermometer in the bowl and observe the temperature. Discuss how this compares to the temperatures on Makemake. Why do you think it’s so cold there? What would happen to water on Makemake?
Kuiper Belt Exploration: Imagine you are an astronaut traveling through the Kuiper Belt. Draw a picture of what you might see, including Makemake and other icy objects. Think about how these objects might look and move. Share your drawing with your class and explain what you think makes the Kuiper Belt an exciting place to explore.
