Chen, YingtungYingtungChenLykawka, Patryk SofiaPatryk SofiaLykawkaHuang, YukunYukunHuangKavelaars, J. J.J. J.KavelaarsFraser, Wesley C.Wesley C.FraserBannister, Michele T.Michele T.BannisterWang, Shiang YuShiang YuWangChang, ChankaoChankaoChangLehner, Matthew J.Matthew J.LehnerYoshida, FumiFumiYoshida2025-10-102025-10-10202523973366https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12740/23505Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) with large perihelion distances (q > 60 au) and semi-major axes (a > 200 au) provide insights into the early evolution of the Solar System and the existence of a hypothetical distant planet. These objects are challenging to observe, and thus their detections are still rare, yet they play a crucial role in constraining models of Solar System formation. Here we report the discovery of a Sedna-like TNO, 2023 KQ<inf>14</inf>, nicknamed ‘Ammonite’, with q = 66 au, a = 252 au and inclination i = 11°. The orbit of Ammonite does not align with those of the other Sedna-like objects and fills the previously unexplained ‘q-gap’ in the observed distribution of distant Solar System objects. Simulations demonstrate that Ammonite is dynamically stable over 4.5 Gyr. Our analysis suggests that Ammonite and the other Sedna-like objects may have shared a primordial orbital clustering around 4.2 Ga. Furthermore, the stable orbit of Ammonite favours larger orbits (~500 au) rather than closer ones for a large hypothetical planet in present-day trans-Neptunian space. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.openAccessArtículo https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-025-02595-7