Large New Solar System Object Discovered

Astronomers may have discovered the solar system's tenth planet, first imaged in 2003 by the Palomar Observatory. The object, currently simply named "2003 UB313," is located at a distance more than twice the distance between the Sun and Pluto. It is believed to be between 2300 and 3200 km across (Pluto is 2390 km across), and near-infrared spectra taken by the Gemini North Telescope have shown the two objects both have spectra characterized by the presence of methane gas. However, since Pluto's status as a planet has already been questioned in astronomical circles, whether or not 2003 UB313 should be classified as a planet is still under discussion. The image above shows an artist's conception of the view from this newly discovered object.