A dwarf like planet, which is orbiting beyond planet Neptune has been referred to as the third plutoid in our solar system. It has been named as Makemake (pronounced MAH-keh MAH keh),according to the International Astronomical Union .

This planet, which is covered with red methane was earlier known as “Easter Bunny” or 2005 FY9 has been named after a Polynesian fertility god and creator of our humanity.

Recently, the IAU created a new group of sub-planets called planets known as plutoids. Pluto, which has been downgraded from planet status, and Eris are two other plutoids. Another dwarf planet called Ceres is not included in the plutoid club as it orbits within the asteroid belt in between Jupiter and Mars.

Makemake is a bit dimmer and smaller as compared to Pluto and was discovered between 2005. Due to the discovery of such trans-Neptunian bodies, the IAU decided to re-designate what a planet is.

Mike Brown from California Institute of Technology, who was responsible for the discovery and naming of Makemake, said he was in search of a mythological god’s name and he also thought of the Easter Island in South Africa. Makemake was the god-in- chief among the settlers of the island.

source:TOI July 21st,2008