Makemake: The Icy World Beyond Neptune

Makemake is a dwarf planet discovered in 2005 in the Kuiper Belt.
It’s about two-thirds the size of Pluto, making it one of the largest distant worlds.
The surface is coated with frozen methane, nitrogen, and ethane.
Its bright, reddish color comes from organic molecules called tholins.
Makemake’s orbit takes about 306 Earth years to circle the Sun.
It has at least one small moon, nicknamed MK2, discovered in 2016.
With almost no atmosphere, Makemake’s surface is extremely cold, near –400°F (–240°C).
Seasonal changes may cause thin, temporary atmospheres of nitrogen to form.
The name honors a fertility god from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) mythology.
Makemake was discovered just after Easter, inspiring both its name and nickname “Easter Bunny.”