Contact: Dr. Scott Sheppard
sheppard@dtm.ciw.edu
202-270-0243
Carnegie Institution

Trojan Asteroids in Neptune's Orbit

Caption: In this schematic of the outer solar system, "Trojan" asteroids can be seen sharing the orbits of Jupiter and Neptune. At either of two points 60 degrees away from each planet, the gravitational forces of the planet and the Sun combine to lock the asteroids into a stable, synchronized orbit. Three new Trojans have been found in the region ahead of Neptune, bringing the total to four; the discovery suggests that Neptune hosts clouds of Trojans that are more dense and populous than those in Jupiter's orbit.

Credit: (Image courtesy Scott Sheppard)

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Related news release: Three new 'Trojan' asteroids found sharing Neptune's orbit