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On
October 7, astronomers Chad Trujillo and Mike Brown of Caltech in Pasadena,
California announced their discovery, Quaoar (2002 LM60), to the astronomical
community. Apparently, they were not aware that Mercury had gone direct in persnickety
Virgo only the day before. Had they known, surely they would have been aware of
the wave of confusion their announcement would create.
The
fact of the matter remains that Quaoar, as they choose to call this Trans-Neptunian
Object, is the largest known of the Kuiper Belt Objects circling our Sun, just
beyond Pluto. With an estimated diameter or some 800 miles it surpasses, Ixion,
the previous record holder. Astronomers now contend that the discovery of Quaoar
and its diameter might work to establish another push for the downgrading of Pluto
from planet status—obviously suggested by one who has never consciously experienced
a Pluto transit. The flip side suggests that the redefinition of planetary size
criteria might result. Some offer that objects over 1,000 kilometers in diameter
might qualify for planetary position. This would include both Quaoar, Ixion and
most certainly, Pluto. Quaoar
received its preliminary name from one of the discovering astronomers. In fact,
in accordance with the classic mix ups of a Mercury station, this body, officially
known as 2002 LM60, is not presently eligible for naming. When an object is discovered
it receives a name like 2002 LM60, which indicates its relative time of discovery
during the year of its discovery. After sufficient observations, when the astronomers
become relatively certain of the accuracy of the orbital elements, the object
receives a minor planet number. For instance, Ixion is minor planet 28978. Recent
numberings approach into the range of 48000—a long way since Chiron received
the number 2060 back in the 1970's. Once numbered, a name can be submitted to
the international naming committee for an object. This namesake is completely
preliminary. The
rule of thumb now applied is that objects in orbital periods similar to Pluto
will take names of underworld deities. Objects with orbital periods notably larger
than Pluto, take the identities of resurrection goddesses and gods (such as Varuna). Regardless,
according to current data, Quaoar (or whomever), now transits, direct, through
9 Sagittarius 34. It possesses a North Node of 8 Libra 54 with a closest solar
contact degree (perihelion) of 21 Pisces 45. It should be noted that these positions
are both heliocentric. The position of perihelion may change slightly as the orbital
definition receives refinement. The orbital period is 283.78 years. So,
what's it mean? According to the traditions of the indigenous Tongva people of
the Los Angeles basin, Quaoar existed as a great force of creation singing and
dancing the higher deity into existence. The song of creation brought about the
Sky, Earth, the Sun and Moon. Then came the goddess of the sea and the lord of
dreams and visions. Finally, the world was placed upon seven giants. The deity
was assisted by the "medicines" of Eagle, Duck, Bear and Frog.
Astrologically,
initial impressions can be derived from the node and perihelion. This combination
of Libra and Pisces seems highly appropriate in today's world. Standing firm in
one's own needs, while remaining cooperative and tractable, offers an approach
of balance from Libra. Pisces suggests restoring visions without fear and paranoia
as an underlying baseline. If nothing else, this combination offers calming suggestions
to immediate crises in the world. And
as a final note, referring to Piscean-based fear projections, Quaoar is not Planet
X, nor does it possess the orbital disposition to wipe out planet Earth in May
of 2003, regardless of what you read elsewhere. For that matter, no Kuiper Belt
Object is likely to become the nefariously predicted Planet X. Relax. Chill. You
have left the paranoia zone. Now, with Quaoar in our mass consciousness, let us
regroup and recreate priorities that speak to the magic of Creation. Note:
An ephemeris will be available from the writer as soon as the orbit of Quaoar
is confirmed. You can obtain an ephemeris for any of the named or numbered Centaurs
or Varuna, Ixion, Chaos or Rhadamanthus, the named Kuiper Belt bodies from the
author.
See co-discoverer
Chad Trujillo's website for more on Quaoar.
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