Plot of the Outer Solar System
The plot below shows the orbits of the Jovian planets and the current
locations of various distant minor planets. The orbits of the planets
are shown in light blue and the current location of each object is
marked by large dark-blue symbols.
The current location of the minor bodies of the outer solar
system are shown in different colors to denote different classes of
object. Unusual high-e objects are shown as cyan triangles,
Centaur objects as orange triangles,
Plutinos (objects in 2:3 resonance with Neptune) as white circles
Pluto itself is the large white symbol), scattered-disk objects as magenta
circles and "classical" or "main-belt" objects as red circles. Objects
observed at only one opposition are denoted by open symbols, objects with
multiple-opposition orbits are denoted by filled symbols.
Numbered periodic comets are shown as filled light-blue squares. Other
comets are shown as unfilled light-blue squares. Dual-status objects are
shown as minor planets.
This plot must not be reproduced without the
express written consent of the Minor Planet Center.
In this view, objects in direct orbits (most of the objects in this plot) move
counterclockwise and the vernal equinox is towards the right. Details
of the designations are given in the lists of unusual
minor planets. The plot is correct for the date given in the diagram
caption.
Back to minor planet lists and
comet lists.
Credits.
MPC
CBAT