Massive object, moving by almost circular but strongly lopsided orbit, is discovered beyond Pluto.

Astronomers suppose that newly discovered object can undermine foundations of modern Solar system formation theory.

Strange object was discovered by astronomer Lynne Allen from Canadian University in British Columbia province (Vancouver) at photographs, obtained with Canadian-French-Hawaiian telescope in December 2004. New series of observations in October 2005 revealed unusual and extraordinary orbit. Object, called 2004 XR190, has diameter 500-1000 km, which means it is twice smaller than Pluto. The strangeness lies in incline of its orbit to ecliptic plane - it is 47 degrees. Astronomers have never faced with such phenomenon before.

At present moment there is a hypothesis that orbit planes are inclined by perturbation influence of Neptune - the only massive planet near Koiper`s zone.
sections: Nature & Health