Neptune’s Own Hidden Asteroid Belt

Although the existence of the “Asteroid Belt” between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter is well known, they are not the only asteroids orbiting the sun. A number of rogues are known, and now it seems Neptune may be sharing its orbit with a number of them as well. Not only that, but these “Trojan” asteroids may outnumber those in the belt just beyond Mars.

The asteroid whose odd orbit suggests the presence of many others was discovered by Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution and Chad Trujillo of Hawaii‘s Gemini Observatory. It is one of four asteroids that orbit in lockstep with Neptune, some five billion kilometers (approximately three billion miles) ahead of the planet itself.

Because of the unusual tilt of the orbit – 25 degrees relative to the plane of the solar system – these types of asteroids are difficult to pinpoint and observe. This rare sighting, according to scientists, are a good indication that there are many more out in that part of space.

Although the existence of the “Asteroid Belt” between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter is well known, they are not the only asteroids orbiting the sun. A number of rogues are known, and now it seems Neptune may be sharing its orbit with a number of them as well. Not only that, but these “Trojan” asteroids may outnumber those in the belt just beyond Mars.

The asteroid whose odd orbit suggests the presence of many others was discovered by Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution and Chad Trujillo of Hawaii‘s Gemini Observatory. It is one of four asteroids that orbit in lockstep with Neptune, some five billion kilometers (approximately three billion miles) ahead of the planet itself.

Because of the unusual tilt of the orbit – 25 degrees relative to the plane of the solar system – these types of asteroids are difficult to pinpoint and observe. This rare sighting, according to scientists, are a good indication that there are many more out in that part of space.