Makemake

Makemake is a dwarf planet in our solar system, located in the Kuiper Belt beyond the orbit of Neptune. It was discovered in 2005 and is named after the creator god of the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island. Makemake is one of the five recognized dwarf planets in our solar system, along with Pluto, Eris, Haumea, and Ceres.

Characteristics of Makemake:

• Size: Makemake has a diameter of about 1,430 miles (2,300 kilometers), making it smaller than Earth's moon.
• Orbit: Its average distance from the sun is approximately 4.2 billion miles (6.7 billion kilometers), and it takes about 309 Earth years to complete one orbit around the sun.
• Surface: Makemake's surface is covered in frozen methane, ethane, and nitrogen, giving it a reddish-brown color.
• Atmosphere: It is believed that Makemake has a thin atmosphere composed mainly of nitrogen.

Study Guide for Makemake:

Here are some key points to focus on when studying Makemake:

1. Describe the location of Makemake in the solar system, including its position in the Kuiper Belt.
2. Compare the size of Makemake with that of other celestial bodies, such as Earth's moon and other dwarf planets.
3. Explain the composition of Makemake's surface, including the presence of frozen methane, ethane, and nitrogen.
4. Discuss the orbital characteristics of Makemake, including its average distance from the sun and its orbital period.
5. Explore the naming of Makemake and its significance in the context of the Rapa Nui culture.

By understanding these key points, you will have a solid foundation of knowledge about the dwarf planet Makemake.