Chad Trujillo

Chadwick A. Trujillo, born on November 22, 1973, is a prominent American astronomer renowned for his significant contributions to the field of astronomy, particularly in the discovery of minor planets. His expertise lies in the study of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), which are celestial bodies located in the outer regions of our Solar System.

In 2003, Trujillo made headlines as a co-discoverer of Eris, the most massive dwarf planet known to exist in our Solar System. This groundbreaking discovery was achieved in collaboration with fellow astronomers Michael Brown and David Rabinowitz. The identification of Eris, along with its satellite Dysnomia, marked a pivotal moment in astronomy, as Eris was the first TNO found to be more massive than Pluto.

Trujillo's work extends beyond mere discovery; he employs advanced computer software to analyze the orbits of numerous TNOs, enhancing our understanding of these distant celestial objects. His research continues to shed light on the complexities of our Solar System and the dynamic nature of its outer regions.