Astronomers get their first close look at dwarf planet Makemake
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An artist's impression of the surface of Makemake (Image: ESO/L. Calçada/Nick Risinger (skysurvey.org))
The path of the shadow of Makemake on April 23rd, 2011 (Image: ESO/L. Calçada/Nick Risinger (skysurvey.org))
Article Summary
In April 2011, Makemake – one of five dwarf planets in our Solar System – passed between Earth and a distant star. Using seven telescopes, an international team of astronomers observed the event, known as stellar occultation, and through careful analysis, have determined the planet's size, density, and even the nature of its atmosphere.
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