{"id":182446,"date":"2025-03-05T02:00:17","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T16:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/hubble\/nasas-hubble-finds-kuiper-belt-duo-may-be-trio\/"},"modified":"2025-03-05T02:00:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T16:00:17","slug":"nasas-hubble-finds-kuiper-belt-duo-may-be-trio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=182446","title":{"rendered":"NASA\u2019s Hubble Finds Kuiper Belt Duo May Be Trio"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\" hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-secondary-navigation\">\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-wrapper z-top width-100 padding-0\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-secondary-navigation width-full border-bottom-1px text-center hds-color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex tablet:display-flex desktop:display-none width-full flex-align-center bg-carbon-90 border-color-carbon-80 color-spacesuit-white\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"hds-secondary-nav-track\"><span>Explore Hubble<\/span><svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-nav-track grid-container grid-container-extrawide padding-0 tablet:padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-2 \">\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-menu-items\">\n<nav>\n<ul class=\"usa-nav__primary usa-accordion flex-justify-center margin-0\">\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Hubble Home<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"basic-nav-section-one\"><span>Overview<\/span><svg class=\"hds-desktop-submenu-toggle-icon display-none tablet:display-none desktop:display-block\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon display-block tablet:display-block desktop:display-none\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"8\" cy=\"8\" r=\"7.5\" fill=\"#0B3D91\" stroke=\"white\"\/><rect x=\"4\" y=\"7.6001\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" fill=\"white\"\/><rect class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon-line-vertical\" x=\"7.59998\" y=\"12\" width=\"8\" height=\"0.8\" transform=\"rotate(-90 7.59998 12)\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><\/button>\n<ul id=\"basic-nav-section-one\" class=\"usa-nav__submenu\" hidden>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/overview\/about-hubble\/\" rel=\"noopener\">About Hubble<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/overview\/the-history-of-hubble\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The History of Hubble<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/overview\/hubble-timeline\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Hubble Timeline<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/overview\/why-have-a-telescope-in-space\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Why Have a Telescope in Space?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/overview\/about-hubble\/hubble-by-the-numbers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Hubble by the Numbers<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/overview\/at-the-museum\/\" rel=\"noopener\">At the Museum<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/overview\/faqs\/\" rel=\"noopener\">FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"basic-nav-section-one\"><span>Impact &#038; Benefits<\/span><svg class=\"hds-desktop-submenu-toggle-icon display-none tablet:display-none desktop:display-block\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 400 400\" viewBox=\"0 0 400 400\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"m4.2 122.2 195.1 195.1 196.5-196.6-37.9-38-157.8 157.8-156.8-156.8z\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"hds-mobile-submenu-toggle-icon display-block 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class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/impacts-and-benefits\/hubbles-cultural-impact\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Cultural Impact<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/impacts-and-benefits\/technology-benefits\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology Benefits<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/impacts-and-benefits\/hubbles-impact-on-human-spaceflight\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Impact on Human Spaceflight<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__submenu-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\"  href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/impacts-and-benefits\/astronomical-community-impacts\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Astro Community Impacts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link\" aria-expanded=\"false\" 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href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/multimedia\/online-activities\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Online Activities<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-article-hero-header nasa-gb-align-full bg-carbon-90 width-full maxw-full color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-article-hero-header\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper width-full maxw-full minh-tablet grid-container minh-tablet flex-column padding-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-foreground-wrapper display-flex flex-direction-column\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block margin-top-auto width-full maxw-desktop-lg padding-y-9 padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-3 z-400\">\n<div class=\"z-400 grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-7 z-400\">\n<div class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"label color-spacesuit-white margin-bottom-2\">6 Min Read<\/div>\n<h1 class=\"heading-41 line-height-md color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNASA\u2019s Hubble Finds Kuiper Belt Duo May Be Trio\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-left mobile-skrim-top z-200\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3840\" height=\"2160\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=2160&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"Illustration of two large, cratered rocks in the foreground right. Another rock is seen in the distance to the left. The black background of space shows the hazy Sun and zodiacal light due to dust in the solar system, as well as scattered distant stars. The words \u201cArtist's Concept\u201d appear in gray at the bottom left.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 91% 77%; object-position: 91% 77%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=2160&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 3840w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=300&#038;h=169&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=768&#038;h=432&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=576&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=864&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=2048&#038;h=1152&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=400&#038;h=225&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=600&#038;h=338&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=900&#038;h=506&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=675&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=2000&#038;h=1125&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3840px) 100vw, 3840px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-y-3 padding-x-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-x-0\"><figcaption class=\"hds-caption maxw-mobile desktop:padding-x-3\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0 color-carbon-30\">\n<div><figcaption>This artist&#8217;s concept depicts one of the possible scenarios for the 148780 Altjira system in the solar system&#8217;s Kuiper Belt. <\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits color-spacesuit-white-important\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Credits: <\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>NASA, ESA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The puzzle of predicting how three gravitationally bound bodies move in space has challenged mathematicians for centuries, and has most recently been popularized in the novel and television show \u201c3 Body Problem.\u201d There\u2019s no problem, however, with what a team of researchers say is likely a stable trio of icy space rocks in the solar system\u2019s Kuiper Belt, found using data from NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Hubble Space Telescope<\/a> and the ground-based\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.keckobservatory.org\/\" rel=\"noopener\">W. M. Keck Observatory<\/a>\u00a0in Hawaii.<\/p>\n<p>If confirmed as the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/academic.oup.com\/mnras\/article\/499\/3\/4206\/5944151\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">second<\/a>\u00a0such three-body system found in the region, the 148780 Altjira system suggests there could be similar triples waiting to be discovered, which would support a particular theory of our solar system\u2019s history and the formation of Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs).<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe universe is filled with a range of three-body systems, including the closest stars to Earth, the Alpha Centauri star system, and we\u2019re finding that the Kuiper Belt may be no exception,\u201d said the study\u2019s lead author Maia Nelsen, a physics and astronomy graduate of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Known since 1992, KBOs are primitive icy remnants from the early solar system found beyond the orbit of Neptune. To date, over 3,000 KBOs have been cataloged, and scientists estimate there could be several hundred thousand more that measure over 10 miles in diameter. The largest KBO is dwarf planet Pluto.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Hubble finding is crucial support for a KBO\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/astrobiology.nasa.gov\/news\/binaries-help-make-heads-or-tails-of-planet-formation\/\" rel=\"noopener\">formation theory<\/a>, in which three small rocky bodies would not be the result of collision in a busy Kuiper Belt, but instead form as a trio directly from the gravitational collapse of matter in the disk of material surrounding the newly formed Sun, around 4.5 billion years ago. It\u2019s well known that stars form by gravitational collapse of gas, commonly as pairs or triples, but that idea that cosmic objects like those in the Kuiper Belt form in a similar way is still under investigation.<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-wide\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-fit \"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=2160&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3840\" height=\"2160\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=2160&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"Illustration of two large, cratered rocks in the foreground right. Another rock is seen in the distance to the left. The black background of space shows the hazy Sun and zodiacal light due to dust in the solar system, as well as scattered distant stars. The words \u201cArtist's Concept\u201d appear in gray at the bottom left.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=3840&#038;h=2160&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 3840w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=300&#038;h=169&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=768&#038;h=432&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=576&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=864&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=2048&#038;h=1152&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=400&#038;h=225&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=600&#038;h=338&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=900&#038;h=506&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=675&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/solar-system\/asteroids\/Hubble_148780Altjira_STScI-01HXVR9DMSQ88WTM48768WJ8DY.jpg?w=2000&#038;h=1125&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3840px) 100vw, 3840px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">This artist\u2019s concept depicts one of the possible scenarios for the 148780 Altjira system in the solar system\u2019s Kuiper Belt. It is likely a hierarchical triple formation, in which two very close companions are orbited by a third member at a greater distance.  The inner bodies are too close together to be resolved by the Hubble Space Telescope. But Hubble observations of the orbit of the outermost object were used to determine that the central body is not a single spherical object. Other possibilities are that the inner object is a contact binary, where two separate bodies become so close they touch each other. Another idea is that the central body is oddly flat, like a pancake. Of the 40 identified binary objects in the Kuiper Belt, another system, Lempo, has been found to be a triple. The Altjira system is located in the outer reaches of the solar system, 3.7 billion miles away, or 44 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. In this artist\u2019s concept, our Sun is in the constellation Sagittarius, with the Milky Way in the background. The bright red star Antares appears at the top center. Dust in the plane of our solar system glows as zodiacal light.<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA, ESA, Joseph Olmsted (STScI)<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Altjira system is located in the outer reaches of the solar system, 3.7 billion miles away, or 44 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. Hubble images show two KBOs located about 4,700 miles (7,600 kilometers) apart. However, researchers say that repeated observations of the objects\u2019 unique co-orbital motion indicate the inner object is actually two bodies that are so close together they can\u2019t be distinguished at such a great distance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith objects this small and far away, the separation between the two inner members of the system is a fraction of a pixel on Hubble\u2019s camera, so you have to use non-imaging methods to discover that it\u2019s a triple,\u201d said Nelsen.<\/p>\n<p>This takes time and patience, Nelsen explained. Scientists have gathered a 17-year observational baseline of data from Hubble and the Keck Observatory, watching the orbit of the Altjira system\u2019s outer object.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOver time, we saw the orientation of the outer object\u2019s orbit change, indicating that the inner object was either very elongated or actually two separate objects,\u201d said Darin Ragozzine, also of Brigham Young University, a co-author of the Altjira study.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA triple system was the best fit when we put the Hubble data into different modeling scenarios,\u201d said Nelsen. \u201cOther possibilities are that the inner object is a contact binary, where two separate bodies become so close they touch each other, or something that actually is oddly flat, like a pancake.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Currently, there are about 40 identified binary objects in the Kuiper Belt. Now, with two of these systems likely triples, the researchers say it is more likely they are looking not at an oddball, but instead a population of three-body systems, formed by the same circumstances. However, building up that evidence takes time and repeated observations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignwide is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hubble Finds Possible Triple System 3.7 Billion Miles Away\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JC-mvNyFgAU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Recent research using data from the Keck Observatory and NASA\u2019s Hubble Space Telescope has revealed a potential three-body system in the Kuiper Belt, known as the Altjira system. This discovery challenges traditional collision theories by suggesting that these triple systems might form directly from the gravitational collapse of material in the early solar disk.<br \/><em>Nasa\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center; Producer: Paul Morris<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The only Kuiper Belt objects that have been explored in detail are Pluto and the smaller object\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/kuiper-belt\/arrokoth-2014-mu69\/facts\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Arrokoth<\/a>, which NASA\u2019s New Horizons mission visited in 2015 and 2019, respectively. New Horizons\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/new-horizons-team-uncovers-a-critical-piece-of-the-planetary-formation-puzzle\/\" rel=\"noopener\">showed<\/a>\u00a0that Arrokoth is a contact binary, which for KBOs means that two objects that have moved closer and closer to one another are now touching and\/or have merged, often resulting in a peanut shape. Ragozzine describes Altjira as a \u201ccousin\u201d of Arrokoth, a member of the same group of Kuiper Belt objects. They estimate Altjira is 10 times larger than Arrokoth, however, at 124 miles (200 kilometers) wide.<\/p>\n<p>While there is no mission planned to fly by Altjira to get Arrokoth-level detail, Nelsen said there is a different upcoming opportunity for further study of the intriguing system. \u201cAltjira has entered an eclipsing season, where the outer body passes in front of the central body. This will last for the next ten years, giving scientists a great opportunity to learn more about it,\u201d Nelsen said. NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope is also joining in on the study of Altjira as it will check if the components look the same in its upcoming Cycle 3\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.stsci.edu\/jwst\/science-execution\/program-information?id=6064\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">observations<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Hubble\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3847\/PSJ\/ad864d\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study<\/a>\u00a0is<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>published in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/iopscience.iop.org\/article\/10.3847\/PSJ\/ad864d\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Planetary Science Journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>The Hubble Space Telescope has been operating for over three decades and continues to make ground-breaking discoveries that shape our fundamental understanding of the universe. Hubble is a project of international cooperation between NASA and ESA (European Space Agency). NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, manages the telescope and mission operations. Lockheed Martin Space, based in Denver, Colorado, also supports mission operations at Goddard. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, conducts Hubble science operations for NASA.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-social-media hds-social-media--horizontal grid-container grid-container-block nasa-gb-align-center margin-y-0 padding-y-5 padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-0 font-weight-bold hds-module aligncenter wp-block-nasa-blocks-social-media-links\">\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center padding-y-1\" id=\"social-facebook\">\n<div class=\"circle-4 minw-4 display-flex flex-align-center flex-justify-center\" style=\"background-color: #4267B2;\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-labelledby=\"facebookIconTitle\"><title id=\"facebookIconTitle\">Facebook logo<\/title><path d=\"M9 8h-3v4h3v12h5v-12h3.642l.358-4h-4v-1.667c0-.955.192-1.333 1.115-1.333h2.885v-5h-3.808c-3.596 0-5.192 1.583-5.192 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c0,17.455-14.201,31.655-31.656,31.655H46.654C29.2,154.063,15,139.862,15,122.407V46.655C15,29.201,29.2,15,46.654,15h75.752 c17.455,0,31.656,14.201,31.656,31.655V122.407z\"\/> <path d=\"M84.531,40.97c-24.021,0-43.563,19.542-43.563,43.563c0,24.02,19.542,43.561,43.563,43.561s43.563-19.541,43.563-43.561 C128.094,60.512,108.552,40.97,84.531,40.97z M84.531,113.093c-15.749,0-28.563-12.812-28.563-28.561 c0-15.75,12.813-28.563,28.563-28.563s28.563,12.813,28.563,28.563C113.094,100.281,100.28,113.093,84.531,113.093z\"\/> <path d=\"M129.921,28.251c-2.89,0-5.729,1.17-7.77,3.22c-2.051,2.04-3.23,4.88-3.23,7.78c0,2.891,1.18,5.73,3.23,7.78 c2.04,2.04,4.88,3.22,7.77,3.22c2.9,0,5.73-1.18,7.78-3.22c2.05-2.05,3.22-4.89,3.22-7.78c0-2.9-1.17-5.74-3.22-7.78 C135.661,29.421,132.821,28.251,129.921,28.251z\"\/><\/g><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-social-media-items padding-left-2\">\n\t\t\t\t<a  class=\"margin-right-2\" href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/NASAHubble\" aria-label=\"Go to @NASAHubble on instagram\" rel=\"noopener\">@NASAHubble<\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\">Media Contact<\/span>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Claire Andreoli<\/strong>\u00a0(<a href=\"mailto:claire.andreoli@nasa.gov\"  rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>claire.andreoli@nasa.gov<\/strong><\/a>)<br \/><strong>NASA\u2019s\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/goddard\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Goddard Space Flight Center<\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0<strong>Greenbelt, Maryland<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Leah Ramsay<br \/>Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ray Villard<br \/>Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, Maryland<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"nasa-gb-align-full width-full maxw-full padding-x-3 padding-y-0 article_a hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-credits-and-details\">\n<section class=\"padding-x-0 padding-top-5 padding-bottom-2 desktop:padding-top-7 desktop:padding-bottom-9\">\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container maxw-widescreen padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-2 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Share<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"padding-bottom-2\">\n<ul class=\"social-icons social-icons-round\">\n<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-x\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/intent\/tweet?via=NASA&#038;text=NASA%26%238217%3Bs%20Hubble%20Finds%20Kuiper%20Belt%20Duo%20May%20Be%20Trio&#038;%23038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fscience.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fhubble%2Fnasas-hubble-finds-kuiper-belt-duo-may-be-trio%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on X.\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"1200\" height=\"1227\" viewBox=\"0 0 1200 1227\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M714.163 519.284L1160.89 0H1055.03L667.137 450.887L357.328 0H0L468.492 681.821L0 1226.37H105.866L515.491 750.218L842.672 1226.37H1200L714.137 519.284H714.163ZM569.165 687.828L521.697 619.934L144.011 79.6944H306.615L611.412 515.685L658.88 583.579L1055.08 1150.3H892.476L569.165 687.854V687.828Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-facebook\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fscience.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fhubble%2Fnasas-hubble-finds-kuiper-belt-duo-may-be-trio%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook.\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M9 8h-3v4h3v12h5v-12h3.642l.358-4h-4v-1.667c0-.955.192-1.333 1.115-1.333h2.885v-5h-3.808c-3.596 0-5.192 1.583-5.192 4.615v3.385z\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-linkedin\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fscience.nasa.gov%2Fmissions%2Fhubble%2Fnasas-hubble-finds-kuiper-belt-duo-may-be-trio%2F\" aria-label=\"Share on LinkedIn.\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M4.98 3.5c0 1.381-1.11 2.5-2.48 2.5s-2.48-1.119-2.48-2.5c0-1.38 1.11-2.5 2.48-2.5s2.48 1.12 2.48 2.5zm.02 4.5h-5v16h5v-16zm7.982 0h-4.968v16h4.969v-8.399c0-4.67 6.029-5.052 6.029 0v8.399h4.988v-10.131c0-7.88-8.922-7.593-11.018-3.714v-2.155z\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<li class=\"social-icon social-icon-rss\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/feed\/\" aria-label=\"Subscribe to RSS feed.\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 800 800\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"M493 652H392c0-134-111-244-244-244V307c189 0 345 156 345 345zm71 0c0-228-188-416-416-416V132c285 0 520 235 520 520z\"\/><circle cx=\"219\" cy=\"581\" r=\"71\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Details<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n<div class=\"subheading\">Last Updated<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8\">Mar 04, 2025<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n<div class=\"subheading\">Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8\">Andrea Gianopoulos<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-4\">\n<div class=\"subheading\">Location<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-8\"><a class=\"hds-location-tag-name\" href=\"https:\/\/nasa.gov\/goddard\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"hds-meta-heading\">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-5 padding-right-4 margin-bottom-5 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"padding-top-3 border-top-1px border-color-carbon-black \">\n<div class=\"margin-bottom-2\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-14\">Related Terms<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"article-tags\">\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\" rel=\"noopener\">Hubble Space Telescope<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/astrophysics\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Astrophysics Division<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/goddard\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/planetary-science\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Planetary Science<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"article-tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/kuiper-belt\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The Kuiper Belt<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-topic-cards nasa-gb-align-full maxw-full width-full padding-y-6 padding-x-3 color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full wp-block-nasa-blocks-topic-cards\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block-lg padding-x-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-2\">Keep Exploring<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"heading-36 line-height-sm\">Discover More Topics From Hubble<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 hds-topic-cards-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/hubble\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Hubble Space Telescope<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"margin-bottom-0 margin-top-2 color-carbon-20-important\">Since its 1990 launch, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1512\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?w=1512\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg 4031w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=295,300 295w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=768,780 768w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=1008,1024 1008w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=1512,1536 1512w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=2016,2048 2016w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=50,50 50w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=394,400 394w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=591,600 591w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=886,900 886w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=1181,1200 1181w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/hubble-space-telescope-hst-6.jpg?resize=1969,2000 1969w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1512px) 100vw, 1512px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/science\/science-highlights\/uncovering-icy-objects-in-the-kuiper-belt\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Uncovering Icy Objects in the Kuiper Belt<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1340\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png?w=1340\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png 1340w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png?resize=300,116 300w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png?resize=768,298 768w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png?resize=1024,397 1024w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png?resize=400,155 400w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png?resize=600,233 600w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png?resize=900,349 900w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/hubble-pluto-stsci-01evsrjcapn1afkxej1d7e1njd.png?resize=1200,466 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1340px) 100vw, 1340px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/science\/explore-the-night-sky\/hubbles-night-sky-challenge\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Hubble\u2019s Night Sky Challenge<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/mission\/35th-anniversary\/stargazing-banner-2_crop.jpg?w=375&#038;h=350&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/mission\/35th-anniversary\/stargazing-banner-2_crop.jpg?w=375&#038;h=350&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 375w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/missions\/hubble\/mission\/35th-anniversary\/stargazing-banner-2_crop.jpg?w=300&#038;h=280&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 375px) 100vw, 375px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/hubble\/multimedia\/e-books\/hubble-science-highlights\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Reshaping Our Cosmic View: Hubble Science Highlights<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1439\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?w=1536\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg 4100w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=300,281 300w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=768,719 768w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=1024,959 1024w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=1536,1439 1536w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=2048,1918 2048w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=400,375 400w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=600,562 600w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=900,843 900w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=1200,1124 1200w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/hubble-hptau-wfc3-1-flat-finalok-sm.jpg?resize=2000,1873 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The puzzle of predicting how three gravitationally bound bodies move in space has challenged mathematicians for centuries, and has most recently been popularized in the novel and television show \u201c3 Body Problem.\u201d There\u2019s no problem, however, with what a team of researchers say is likely a stable trio of icy space rocks in the solar 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