Trans-Neptunian Object
A Trans-Neptunian Object is a small worldlet or planetoid lying within the Remote System.
- They may be referred to as Remote System Objects (RSOs).
Description (Specifications)
A planet is considered to be a world within a system that has cleared its orbital position of worldlets, planetoids and other debris. Trans-Neptunian objects (commonly referred to as TNOs) lie within the outer part of a system where this process either hasn't occurred or is still ongoing.
Trans-Neptunian Objects typically lie within the Heliopause, the broad region where the star's Heliosphere becomes the Interstellar Medium.
The Terra System
Within the Terra system, a TNO is any minor planet that orbits Sol at a greater average distance than Neptune, which has a semi-major axis of 30.1 AU.
TNOs fall within two broad zones:
- Bodies having an orbital resonance with Neptune. These are generally referred to as Kuiper Main Belt objects.
- Scattered disc and detached objects.
Other Star Systems
Within the broader canvas of Charted Space, a TNO/RSO is considered to be any minor planet lying beyond the orbit of the outermost gas giant world or major planet within a system.
History & Background (Dossier)
The first trans-Neptunian object to be discovered in the Terra system was Pluto, around the year -2590.
Image Repository
Ultima Thule, a Trans-Neptunian Object lying within the outer reaches of the Terra system.
References & Contributors (Sources)
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- Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
- Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science