MK2

MK2 is a moon. It orbits Makemake. It is about 175 km across – about as wide as Switzerland. MK2 is the only known moon of Makemake – discovered in 2016 with the Hubble telescope.

▶ View MK2 in the 3D model

Fact file

Type: Moon of Makemake
Diameter: 175 km
Distance from Makemake: 21,000 km
Orbital period: 12.4 days
Temperature: -239 °C on average

MK2 orbits Makemake.

Interesting facts about MK2

MK2 is the only known moon of Makemake – discovered in 2016 with the Hubble telescope.
It is as black as coal, while Makemake shines as bright as fresh snow.
It does not have an official name yet; its orbit is only roughly known.

Frequently asked questions about MK2

How big is MK2?

MK2 has a diameter of 175 km. That is about 5% of the diameter of our Moon.

How far is MK2 from Makemake?

MK2 orbits Makemake at an average distance of 21,000 km.

How long does MK2 take to orbit Makemake?

MK2 orbits Makemake once every 12.4 days.

How cold or warm is it on MK2?

On MK2 the average temperature is −239 °C.

Formation

Perhaps a captured body or a piece of debris from a collision.

Atmosphere

No atmosphere.

Exploration

Observed only with the Hubble telescope – it is around 1,300 times fainter than Makemake.

Compared with Earth

Around 175 km across (estimated).

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