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''Conventional'' theory supposes all these objects (except for the hypothetical [[Nemesis(Star)|Nemesis]]) to be remnants of the formation of the [[solar system]] that could not accrete into planets. Most of these objects, except for the most distant objects in the [[scattered disk]], moved into their present orbits under the gravitational influence of [[Neptune]]. So says conventional theory.

''Conventional'' theory supposes all these objects (except for the hypothetical [[Nemesis(Star)|Nemesis]]) to be remnants of the formation of the [[solar system]] that could not accrete into planets. Most of these objects, except for the most distant objects in the [[scattered disk]], moved into their present orbits under the gravitational influence of [[Neptune]]. So says conventional theory.

The [[Hydroplate Theory]] suggests these objects are the heaviest component of a vast quantity of [[water]], rock and mud – amounting to as much as four percent of the original mass of the [[Earth]] – that escaped from Earth during the [[Great Flood]]. These objects formed near the Earth. Then, under the influence of the [[Sun]], they out-gassed vast amounts of water vapor (and perhaps of thermolyzed [[hydrogen]] and/or [[oxygen]] also) and thus propelled themselves into ever-higher orbits.

The [[Hydroplate Theory]] suggests these objects are the heaviest component of a vast quantity of [[water]], rock and mud – amounting to as much as four percent of the original mass of the [[Earth]] – that escaped from Earth during the [[Great Flood]]. These objects formed near the Earth. Then, under the influence of the [[Sun]], they out-gassed vast amounts of water vapor (and perhaps of thermolyzed [[hydrogen]] and/or [[oxygen]] also) and thus propelled themselves into ever-higher orbits. Most of these objects likely passed close to [[Jupiter]] (largest of the [[gas giant]]s) and got a slingshot-like [[gravity]] boost to the orbits they now travel in.

[[Pluto]], the "king of the [[Kuiper Belt]]," typifies the lot. Its greatly eccentric and significantly inclined [[orbit]] carries it inside the orbit of [[Neptune]] at its closest approach to the Sun ([[apsis|perihelion]]). In 2015, the rocket probe ''New Horizons'' passed through the Plutonian system and photographed Pluto and its moons extensively. Among other findings: a lake of frozen [[carbon monoxide]] in the western "lobe" of "Tombaugh's Heart," a great heart-shaped contiguous plain. How did this carbon monoxide form? It could only have formed from the burning of [[wood]] in a confined space. Walter T. Brown, Jr., originator of the Hydroplate Theory, suggests much of the mass of Pluto originally consisted of uprooted trees and shrubs. The heat of accretion, and the presence of hydrolyzed hydrogen and oxygen, started a fire beneath the surface. The confined space produced carbon monoxide, not [[carbon dioxide]]. Eventually this carbon monoxide broke through to the surface, condensed, fell as rain onto Tombaugh's Heart, then froze.

[[Pluto]], the "king of the [[Kuiper Belt]]," typifies the lot. Its greatly eccentric and significantly inclined [[orbit]] carries it inside the orbit of [[Neptune]] at its closest approach to the Sun ([[apsis|perihelion]]). In 2015, the rocket probe ''New Horizons'' passed through the Plutonian system and photographed Pluto and its moons extensively. Among other findings: a lake of frozen [[carbon monoxide]] in the western "lobe" of "Tombaugh's Heart," a great heart-shaped contiguous plain. How did this carbon monoxide form? It could only have formed from the burning of [[wood]] in a confined space. Walter T. Brown, Jr., originator of the Hydroplate Theory, suggests much of the mass of Pluto originally consisted of uprooted trees and shrubs. The heat of accretion, and the presence of hydrolyzed hydrogen and oxygen, started a fire beneath the surface. The confined space produced carbon monoxide, not [[carbon dioxide]]. Eventually this carbon monoxide broke through to the surface, condensed, fell as rain onto Tombaugh's Heart, then froze.

[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA]] has the photograph of Pluto showing the frozen carbon monoxide lake. But to date they have never even tried to explain it.

[[National Aeronautics and Space Administration|NASA]] has the photograph of Pluto showing the frozen carbon monoxide lake. But to date they have never even tried to explain it.

== Classes of trans-Neptunian objects ==

== Classes of trans-Neptunian objects ==