UumISOs

UumISOs are a category of small, icy celestial objects found in the outer regions of the Solar System, specifically within the scattered disc and the Kuiper Belt. The term "UumISO" is derived from the first four known members of this group, which are named after the fictional planet Uumala from the 1972 science fiction film *Soylent Green*. The objects are characterized by their unusually red coloration, which distinguishes them from other trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). This reddish hue is believed to result from the presence of complex organic compounds, such as tholins, formed through exposure to cosmic radiation.

The first UumISO identified was 2000 CR105, discovered in 2000. It was followed by 2004 VN112, 2005 TN53, and 2006 SQ372, all of which share similar orbital characteristics and spectral properties. These objects typically have highly inclined orbits with respect to the plane of the Solar System, often exceeding 40 degrees, and some exhibit retrograde motion, meaning they orbit the Sun in the opposite direction to most planets. Their orbits are also highly eccentric, suggesting they may have been gravitationally scattered from the Kuiper Belt by Neptune or other giant planets.

UumISOs are of interest to astronomers because they may provide insights into the chemical composition and evolutionary history of the early Solar System. Their reddish surfaces could indicate the presence of organic materials that played a role in the formation of life. Additionally, studying these objects helps refine models of planetary migration and the dynamics of the outer Solar System. As of now, only a handful of UumISOs have been confirmed, but ongoing surveys and advancements in telescope technology may reveal more members of this intriguing group in the future.