DWARF PLANET PROFILE MAKEMAKE

Makemake is a dwarf planet in the outer Solar System. It was the fourth body to be identified as a dwarf planet. Makemake is large and bright enough to be studied by a high-end amateur telescope. Makemake was first observed in March 2005 by a team of astronomers at the Palomar Observatory in California. Provisionally known as 2005 FY9, the tiny planetoid was nicknamed Easterbunny by the group. The team was also responsible for the discovery of dwarf planet Eris and involved in the controversial discovery of the dwarf planet Haumea. Makemake is named for the god of fertility in Rapa Nui mythology. The Rapa Nui live on Easter Island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Makemake was the chief god, the creator of humanity and the god of fertility.

Makemake is the second-brightest known object in the outer Solar System,