Gonggong

Perched far beyond Neptune in the Kuiper Belt, Gonggong is a mysterious dwarf planet that fascinates astronomers. With its dark red colour and slow orbit of more than 550 years around the Sun, it embodies the patience and mystery of distant worlds.

What makes Gonggong unique is its unusual reddish hue, caused by complex organic compounds (called tholins) that form when sunlight hits the methane ice on its surface. This is a valuable clue to the early chemistry of the Solar System (perhaps similar to that which paved the way for life on Earth)!

Gonggong is also accompanied by a small moon, Xiangliu, which quietly revolves around him, forming a mythical duo worthy of its name. In Chinese legend, Gonggong is the god of water and chaos, known for his violent temper and his ability to cause cosmic catastrophes. He is often depicted with a copper human head, red hair, and a serpent's body. Xiangliu, a nine-headed serpent monster, was his minister.

To stick Gonggong is to take with you a symbol of mystery, quiet strength and distant beauty, a reminder that even in the icy confines of the Solar System, the universe remains full of red and magical surprises. His sticker awaits you on our site!

____________________________________________________________________________

PUN: If you wait too long, I'll be Gonegone!