Word: miniplanet
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Nearer to earth, IRAS identified at least five new comets and spotted a "miniplanet" only 1.2 miles in diameter, possibly the cadaver of a comet, circling within the orbit of the innermost planet, Mercury. IRAS also uncovered some bands of fine dust spread over 100 million miles in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The dust may be the debris of collisions between asteroids...
Then what is "Object-Kowal," as it has been temporarily dubbed? Kowal says that his discovery "really doesn't resemble anything else we have seen," and tentatively describes the mystery object as a "miniplanet." If scientists decide that it can indeed qualify as a planet, Kowal, in keeping with astronomical tradition, will be accorded the honor of proposing its permanent name. He already has a name in mind. But for now he is keeping it secret, saying only that it is "based on traditional mythology...
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