How do astronomers determine the size and shape of distant TNOs?
Answer
By using the technique of stellar occultation to time light blockage
Due to their extreme distance and small size, these objects reflect very little sunlight, making them difficult to resolve directly with telescopes. Astronomers utilize stellar occultation, which involves tracking a background star and waiting for the target object to pass directly in front of it. By precisely timing the duration that the object blocks the star's light, researchers can calculate the object's dimensions and shape with high accuracy, even though they remain faint pinpoints of light.
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