TNGs

TNGs, or Trans-Neptunian Objects, are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun at a greater average distance than Neptune. This region, known as the trans-Neptunian region, extends from the orbit of Neptune at 30 astronomical units (AU) to approximately 55 AU from the Sun. TNOs include a diverse range of objects, such as dwarf planets, Pluto being the most well-known, and various types of icy bodies.

The study of TNOs has significantly advanced since the discovery of the first TNO, Pluto, in 1930. The advent of powerful telescopes and space missions like NASA's New Horizons have provided detailed observations of these distant objects. TNOs are believed to be remnants from the early solar system, offering insights into its formation and evolution.

One of the most notable features of TNOs is their elliptical orbits, which can be highly inclined relative to the ecliptic plane. This orbital diversity suggests that TNOs may have been influenced by gravitational interactions with Neptune and other giant planets during the solar system's early history. Some TNOs, like Pluto, have moons, indicating their complex and dynamic nature.

The Kuiper Belt, a region within the trans-Neptunian space, is a dense concentration of TNOs. It is named after Gerard Kuiper, who proposed its existence in 1951. The Kuiper Belt is believed to be the source of short-period comets, which have orbital periods of less than 200 years. Beyond the Kuiper Belt lies the scattered disc, a sparsely populated region of TNOs with more eccentric and inclined orbits.

TNOs continue to be a subject of scientific interest, with ongoing research aimed at understanding their composition, dynamics, and the role they played in the solar system's formation. The study of TNOs not only enhances our knowledge of the solar system but also provides a context for understanding exoplanetary systems and the broader universe.