Trans-Neptunian Object Orbital Classification

Beyond Neptune, thousands of icy bodies fall into distinct dynamical families depending on how their orbits interact with the giant planet's gravity. This simulator renders 1,200 trans-Neptunian objects in real 3D, each following a proper Kepler orbit solved from its semi-major axis, eccentricity and inclination, and colors every object by its dynamical class — Classical (Cubewano), Resonant, Scattered Disk or Detached — using the same perihelion, aphelion and mean-motion-resonance criteria astronomers use to classify the real Kuiper Belt. Drag the semi-major axis, eccentricity and inclination sliders to move a highlighted test object anywhere from 30 to 150 AU and watch its classification, resonance lock and orbital period update live.