How far can we see into space and what will we see in its vast reaches? Well, a team of astronomers has been able to observe a solar system object, which is 120 astronomical units from the Earth, the farthest one so far.
The second-most-distant observed Solar System object is Eris, at about 96 AU. Pluto is currently at about 34 AU, making 2018 VG18 more than three-and-a-half times more distant than the Solar System’s most-famous dwarf planet.
The discovery images of 2018 VG18 were taken at the Japanese Subaru 8-meter telescope located atop Mauna Kea in Hawaii on November 10, 2018.
Once 2018 VG18 was found, it needed to be re-observed to confirm its very distant nature. 2018 VG18 was seen for the second time in early December at the Magellan telescope at Carnegie’s Las Campanas Observatory in Chile.
(Image credit: Roberto Molar Candanosa/Carnegie Institution for Science)
From https://www.iau.org/public/themes/naming/#dwarfplanets:
There are several stages before a proposed name is accepted:
When a body is initially sighted it is given a provisional name, which is later superseded by a permanent numerical designation once its orbit has been well determined.
The discovery team suggests a suitable name to the two relevant IAU groups — the working groups for Small Body Nomenclature (CSBN) and Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) — who together are responsible for naming dwarf planets. The name is intended to reflect the characteristics of the body itself, and be an appropriate moniker derived from mythology. Objects, including dwarf planets, far beyond the orbit of Neptune are expected to be given the name of a deity or figure related to creation; for example Makemake, the Polynesian creator of humanity and god of fertility, and Haumea, the Hawaiian goddess of fertility and childbirth.
The IAU finally decides on the assignment of the name, priority given to the ones proposed by the discoverers.
Dwarf planets may not share a name with any other small Solar System bodies.