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Chad Trujillo

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description Chad Trujillo Overview

Chad Trujillo is a modern American astronomer specializing in the study of the Kuiper Belt and distant planetary bodies. His research significantly advanced our understanding of trans-Neptunian objects like Eris, Sedna, and others. He contributes to investigations relevant for researchers and institutions focused on solar system formation, planet evolution, and the outer reaches of our celestial neighborhood.

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What astronomical objects has Chad Trujillo discovered?

Chad Trujillo is an American astronomer who has co-discovered several major trans-Neptunian objects in the outer Solar System. His most famous discoveries include the dwarf planet Eris and the distant object Sedna.

Who did Chad Trujillo work with to discover Eris?

Trujillo discovered Eris alongside fellow astronomers Mike Brown and David Rabinowitz in 2005. This discovery, which proved Eris was more massive than Pluto, directly triggered the planetary reclassification debate that demoted Pluto to a dwarf planet in 2006.

What is Chad Trujillo known for regarding Sedna?

Trujillo co-discovered Sedna in 2003, which is one of the most distant known objects in the Solar System. The bizarre, highly elongated orbit of Sedna has led Trujillo and his colleagues to theorize about the existence of a massive, unseen "Planet Nine."

Where does Chad Trujillo work?

Trujillo has worked extensively in the field of planetary astronomy, holding positions at institutions like Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. His research focuses heavily on tracking Kuiper Belt objects and understanding the formation of the outer Solar System.