"TNOs are Cool": A survey of the trans-Neptunian region -- VII. Size and surface characteristics of (90377) Sedna and 2010 EK139
András Pál, Csaba Kiss, Thomas G. Müller, Pablo Santos-Sanz, Esa Vilenius, Nikolett Szalai, Michael Mommert, Emmanuel Lellouch, Miriam Rengel, Paul Hartogh, Sil… 展开作者
András Pál, Csaba Kiss, Thomas G. Müller, Pablo Santos-Sanz, Esa Vilenius, Nikolett Szalai, Michael Mommert, Emmanuel Lellouch, Miriam Rengel, Paul Hartogh, Silvia Protopapa, John Stansberry, Jose-Luis Ortiz, René Duffard, Audrey Thirouin, Florence Henry, Audrey Delsanti
We present estimates of the basic physical properties (size and albedo) of (90377) Sedna, a prominent member of the detached trans-Neptunian object population and the recently discovered scattered disk object 2010 EK139, based on the recent observations acquired with the Herschel Space Observatory, within the "TNOs are Cool!" key programme. Our modeling of the thermal measurements shows that both objects have larger albedos and smaller sizes than the previous expectations, thus their surfaces might be covered by ices in a significantly larger fraction. The derived diameter of Sedna and 2010 EK139 are 995 +/- 80 km and 470 +35/-10 km, while the respective geometric albedos are pV 0.32 +/- 0.06 and 0.25 +0.02/-0.05. These estimates are based on thermophysical model techniques.
Two populations of minor bodies in the outer Solar System remain particularly elusive: Scattered Disk objects and Sedna-like objects. These populations are important dynamical tracers, and understanding the details of their spatial- and size-distributions will enhance our understanding of the formation and on-going evolution of the Solar System. By using newly-derived limits on the maximum heliocentric distances that recent pencil-beam surveys for Trans-Neptunian Objects were sensitive to, we determine new upper limits on the total numbers of distant SDOs and Sedna-like objects. While generall…
Although the majority of Centaurs are thought to have originated in the scattered disk, with the high-inclination members coming from the Oort cloud, the origin of the high inclination component of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) remains uncertain. We report the discovery of a retrograde TNO, which we nickname "Niku", detected by the Pan-STARRS 1 Outer Solar System Survey. Our numerical integrations show that the orbital dynamics of Niku are very similar to that of 2008 KV$_{42}$ (Drac), with a half-life of $\sim 500$ Myr. Comparing similar high inclination TNOs and Centaurs ($q > 10$ AU, $a < …
We explore the distant giant planet hypothesis by integrating the large semi-major axis, large pericenter Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) in the presence of the giant planets and an external perturber whose orbit is consistent with the proposed distant, eccentric, and inclined giant planet, so called planet 9. We find that TNOs with semi-major axes greater than 250 au experience some longitude of perihelion shepherding, but that a generic outcome of such evolutions is that the TNOs evolve to larger pericenter orbits, and commonly get raised to retrograde inclinations. This pericenter and inclin…
We analyze the uncertainty in grain size estimation of pure methane (CH4) and nitrogen saturated with methane (N2:CH4) ices, the most abundant volatile materials on trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Kuiper belt objects (KBOs). We compare the single scattering albedo, which determines the grain size estimation of outer solar system regolith (Hansen, 2009), of these ices using the Mie scattering model and two other Hapke approximations (Hapke, 1993) in radiative transfer scattering models (RTM) at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths (1-5 $μ$m). The equivalent slab (Hapke Slab) approximation model p…
Reflection spectroscopy in the Near Infrared (NIR) is used to investigate the surface composition of Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). In general, these spectra are difficult to interpret due to the low apparent brightness of the TNOs, causing low signal-to-noise ratio even in spectra obtained with the largest telescopes available on the Earth, making necessary to use filtering techniques to analyze and interpret them. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to analyze the spectra of TNOs. Specifically, we aim at filtering these spectra in the best possible way: maximizing the remo…
Trans-Neptunian objects (TNO) represent the leftovers of the formation of the Solar System. Their physical properties provide constraints to the models of formation and evolution of the various dynamical classes of objects in the outer Solar System. Based on a sample of 19 classical TNOs we determine radiometric sizes, geometric albedos and beaming parameters. Our sample is composed of both dynamically hot and cold classicals. We study the correlations of diameter and albedo of these two subsamples with each other and with orbital parameters, spectral slopes and colors. We have done three-band…
The classical Kuiper belt contains objects both from a low-inclination, presumably primordial, distribution and from a high-inclination dynamically excited population. Based on a sample of classical TNOs with observations at thermal wavelengths we determine radiometric sizes, geometric albedos and thermal beaming factors as well as study sample properties of dynamically hot and cold classicals. Observations near the thermal peak of TNOs using infra-red space telescopes are combined with optical magnitudes using the radiometric technique with near-Earth asteroid thermal model (NEATM). We have d…
The accumulating, but small, set of large semi-major axis trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) shows an apparent clustering in the orientations of their orbits. This clustering must either be representative of the intrinsic distribution of these TNOs, or else arise as a result of observation biases and/or statistically expected variations for such a small set of detected objects. The clustered TNOs were detected across different and independent surveys, which has led to claims that the detections are therefore free of observational bias. This apparent clustering has led to the so-called "Planet 9" h…
The most distant known trans-Neptunian objects (perihelion distance above 38 au and semimajor axis above 150 au) are of interest for their potential to reveal past, external, or present but unseen perturbers. Realizing this potential requires understanding how the known planets influence their orbital dynamics. We use a recently-developed Poincare mapping approach for orbital phase space studies of the circular planar restricted three body problem, which we have extended to the case of the three-dimensional restricted problem with $N$ planetary perturbers. With this approach, we explore the dy…
Transneptunian objects (TNOs) are bodies populating the Kuiper Belt and they are believed to retain the most pristine and least altered material of the solar system. The Herschel Open Time Key Program entitled "TNOs are Cool: A survey of the trans-Neptunian region" has been awarded 373 h to investigate the albedo, size distribution and thermal properties of TNOs and Centaurs. Here we focus on the brightest targets observed by both the PACS and SPIRE multiband photometers: the dwarf planet Haumea, six TNOs (Huya, Orcus, Quaoar, Salacia, 2002 UX25, and 2002 TC302), and two Centaurs (Chiron and C…
Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) are icy/rocky bodies that move beyond the orbit of Neptune in a region known as the trans-Neptunian belt (or Edgeworth-Kuiper belt). In contrast to the predictions of accretion models that feature protoplanetary disk planetesimals evolving on dynamically cold orbits (with both very small eccentricities, e, and inclinations, i), in reality TNOs exhibit surprisingly wide ranges of orbital eccentricities and inclinations. Several theoretical models have addressed the origin and orbital evolution of the main dynamical classes of TNOs, but none have successfully repro…
The study of the surface properties of Centaurs and Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) provides essential information about the early conditions and evolution of the outer Solar System. Due to the faintness of most of these distant and icy bodies, photometry currently constitutes the best technique to survey a statistically significant number of them. Our aim is to investigate color properties of a large sample of minor bodies of the outer Solar System, and set their taxonomic classification. We carried out visible and near-infrared photometry of Centaurs and TNOs, making use, respectively, of the…
The outer Solar System contains a large number of small bodies (known as trans-Neptunian objects or TNOs) that exhibit diverse types of dynamical behavior. The classification of bodies in this distant region into dynamical classes -- sub-populations that experience similar orbital evolution -- aids in our understanding of the structure and formation of the Solar System. In this work, we propose an updated dynamical classification scheme for the outer Solar System. This approach includes the construction of a new (automated) method for identifying mean-motion resonances. We apply this algorithm…
Current research focuses on designing fast trajectories to the trans-Neptunian object (TNO) (90377) Sedna to study the surface and composition from a close range. Studying Sedna from a close distance can provide unique data about the Solar System evolution process including protoplanetary disc and related mechanisms. The trajectories to Sedna are determined considering flight time and the total characteristic velocity ($ΔV$) constraints. The time of flight for the analysis was limited to 20 years. The direct flight, the use of gravity assist manoeuvres near Venus, the Earth and the giant plane…
Bernstein et al. (2004) found that the population of faint (R>26) trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) known at that time was dominated by "Classical" objects, which have low inclinations (i<5 degrees) and distances 40--45 AU. Since those observations, the number of faint TNOs whose orbits are sufficiently well known to be classified as "Classical" or "Excited" has grown from seven to 39. We analyze the dynamical classifications of faint TNOs known today and find that this population is dominated by Excited objects. We discuss some implications of this result.
Looking at the orbits of small bodies with large semimajor axes, we are compelled to see patterns. Some of these patterns are noted as strong indicators of new or hidden processes in the outer Solar System, others are substantially generated by observational biases, and still others may be completely overlooked. We can gain insight into the current and past structure of the outer Solar System through a careful examination of these orbit patterns. In this chapter, we discuss the implications of the observed orbital distribution of distant trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We start with some cauti…
A substantial fraction of our solar system's trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) are in mean motion resonance with Neptune. Many of these objects were likely caught into resonances by planetary migration---either smooth or stochastic---approximately 4 Gyr ago. Some, however, gravitationally scattered off of Neptune and became transiently stuck in more recent events. Here, we use numerical simulations to predict the number of transiently-stuck objects, captured from the current actively scattering population, that occupy 111 resonances at semimajor axes $a=$30--100 au. Our source population is an ob…
Kuiper Belt Objects, or more generally Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), are planetesimals found beyond the orbit of Neptune. Some TNOs evolve onto Neptune-crossing orbits and become Centaurs. Many Centaurs, in turn, reach Jupiter-crossing orbits and become Jupiter-family comets (JFCs). TNOs are the main source of the JFCs. TNOs offer a different window than the JFCs, of more primordial bodies and over a different size and temperature range. It is in that context that this chapter is written. Here we discuss the dynamical pathways taken from the trans-Neptunian region to the JFCs, and the most i…
Combined JWST and HST Deep Imaging to Characterize the Smallest Known Trans-Neptunian Objects
Northern Arizona University（北亚利桑那大学）；University of Victoria（维多利亚大学）；National Research Council of Canada, Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre（加拿大国家研究委员会赫茨伯格天文学与天体物理研究中心）；Space Telescope Science Institute（太空望远镜科学研究所）；University of Pennsylvania（宾夕法尼亚大学）；Center for Astrophysics — Harvard & Smithsonian（哈佛-史密森尼天体物理中心）；University of Michigan（密歇根大学）；Universidad de Chile（智利大学）
Thermal emission from Kuiper Belt object (136108) Haumea was measured with Herschel-PACS at 100 and 160 micrometers for almost a full rotation period. Observations clearly indicate a 100-micrometer thermal lightcurve with an amplitude of a factor of ~ 2, which is positively correlated with the optical lightcurve. This confirms that both are primarily due to shape effects. A 160-micrometer lightcurve is marginally detected. Radiometric fits of the mean Herschel- and Spitzer- fluxes indicate an equivalent diameter D ~ 1300 km and a geometric albedo p_v ~ 0.70-0.75. These values agree with infere…
Using data from the Infrared Array Camera on the Spitzer Space Telescope, we present photometric observations of a sample of 100 trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) beyond 2.2 μm. These observations, collected with two broad-band filters centered at 3.6 and 4.5 μm, were done in order to study the surface composition of TNOs, which are too faint to obtain spectroscopic measurements. With this aim, we have developed a method for the identification of different materials that are found on the surfaces of TNOs. In our sample, we detected objects with colors that are consistent with the presence of smal…
A second large programme (LP) for the physical studies of TNOs and Centaurs, started at ESO Cerro Paranal on October 2006 to obtain high-quality data, has recently been concluded. In this paper we present the spectra of these pristine bodies obtained in the visible range during the last two semesters of the LP. We investigate the spectral behaviour of the TNOs and Centaurs observed, and we analyse the spectral slopes distribution of the full data set coming from this LP and from the literature. We computed the spectral slope for each observed object, and searched for possible weak absorption f…
Space-based observatories at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange Point (L2) offer a unique opportunity to efficiently determine the orbits of distant solar system objects by taking advantage of the parallax effect that arises from nearly simultaneous ground- and space-based observations. Given the typical orbit of an observatory about L2, the observational baseline of $\sim1.5\times10^6$ km between L2 and Earth results in an instantaneous parallax of $\sim$10''-100'', even for the most distant of detectable trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) in our solar system. Current ground-based strategies for measu…
We present a pipeline for searching for trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) using data from the TESS mission, that includes a novel optimization-based framework for subtracting the effects of scattered light and pointing jitter. The background subtraction procedure we adopt, when combined with a moving average, allows one to see TNOs such as 90366 SEDNA, 2015 BP519 with the "naked eye." Moreover, this procedure also enabled us to identify two TNO candidates via direct visual observation (subsequently identified to be 2003 UZ413 and 2005 RR43). To automate the extraction of candidate TNOs, we apply …
A group of trans-Neptunian objects (TNO) are dynamically related to the dwarf planet 136108 Haumea. Ten of them show strong indications of water ice on their surfaces, are assumed to have resulted from a collision, and are accepted as the only known TNO collisional family. Nineteen other dynamically similar objects lack water ice absorptions and are hypothesized to be dynamical interlopers. We have made observations to determine sizes and geometric albedos of six of the accepted Haumea family members and one dynamical interloper. Ten other dynamical interlopers have been measured by previous w…
The goal of the Herschel Open Time Key programme "TNOs are Cool!" is to derive the physical and thermal properties for a large sample of Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), including resonant, classical, detached and scattered disk objects. We present results for seven targets either observed in PACS point-source, or in mini scan-map mode. Spitzer-MIPS observations were included for three objects. The sizes of these targets range from 100 km to almost 1000 km, five have low geometric albedos below 10%, (145480) 2005 TB190 has a higher albedo above 15%. Classical thermal models driven …
The small solar-system bodies that reside between 30 and 50 AU are often referred to as the Trans Neptunian Objects, or TNOs. A far-infrared (FIR) mission with survey capabilities, like the prospective Cryogenic Aperture Large Infrared Space Telescope Observatory (CALISTO; Goldsmith et al. 2008), offers the potential for the first time of really probing the population of TNOs, and related populations, down to moderates sizes, and out to distances exceeding 100 AU from the Sun.
Causal Evidence for the Primordiality of Colors in Trans-Neptunian Objects
Center for Astrophysics and Space Science (CASS)（天文与空间科学中心）；Carnegie Mellon University（卡内基梅隆大学）；Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics and Department of Physics（天文与天体物理中心）；Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence（穆罕默德·本·扎耶德人工智能大学）
The Outer Solar System Origins Survey (OSSOS), a wide-field imaging program in 2013-2017 with the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, surveyed 155 deg$^{2}$ of sky to depths of $m_r = 24.1$-25.2. We present 838 outer Solar System discoveries that are entirely free of ephemeris bias. This increases the inventory of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) with accurately known orbits by nearly 50%. Each minor planet has 20-60 Gaia/Pan-STARRS-calibrated astrometric measurements made over 2-5 oppositions, which allows accurate classification of their orbits within the trans-Neptunian dynamical populations. The…
The Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) may preserve evidence of planet building in their orbital and size-distributions. While all populations show steep size-distributions for large objects, recently relative deficit of Neptunian Trojans and scattering objects with diameters $D<100\,\mathrm{km}$ were detected. We have investigated this deficit with a 32 square degree survey, detecting 77 TNOs to a limiting $r$-band magnitude of 24.6. Our Plutinos sample (18 objects in 3:2 mean motion resonance with Neptune) also shows a deficit of $D<100\,\mathrm{km}$ objects. We reject a single power-law size-di…
Studies of the physical properties of Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) are a powerful probe into the processes of planetesimal formation and solar system evolution. JWST will provide unique new capabilities for such studies. Here we outline where the capabilities of JWST open new avenues of investigation, potential valuable observations and surveys, and conclude with a discussion of community actions that may serve to enhance the eventual science return of JWSTs TNO observations.
Secular dynamics inside MMRs plays an essential role in governing the dynamical structure of the trans-Neptunian region and sculpting the orbital distribution of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). In this study, semi-analytical developments are made to explore the von Zeipel-Lidov-Kozai (ZLK) resonance inside mean motion resonances (MMRs). To this end, a semi-secular model is formulated by averaging theory and then a single-degree-of-freedom integrable model is achieved based on the adiabatic invariance approximation. In particular, we introduce a modified adiabatic invariant, which is continuous…
We present Herschel PACS photometry of 18 Plutinos and determine sizes and albedos for these objects using thermal modeling. We analyze our results for correlations, draw conclusions on the Plutino size distribution, and compare to earlier results. Flux densities are derived from PACS mini scan-maps using specialized data reduction and photometry methods. In order to improve the quality of our results, we combine our PACS data with existing Spitzer MIPS data where possible, and refine existing absolute magnitudes for the targets. The physical characterization of our sample is done using a ther…
Recent photometric surveys of Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) have revealed that the cold classical TNOs have distinct z-band color characteristics, and occupy their own distinct surface class. This suggested the presence of an absorption band in the reflectance spectra of cold classicals at wavelengths above 0.8 micron. Here we present reflectance spectra spanning 0.55-1.0 micron for six TNOs occupying dynamically cold orbits at semimajor axes close to 44 au. Five of our spectra show a clear and broadly consistent reduction in spectral gradient above 0.8 micron that diverges from their linear …
Both Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) are minor bodies found in the outer Solar System. Centaurs are a transient population that moves between the orbits of Jupiter and Neptune, and they probably diffused out of the TNOs. TNOs move mainly beyond Neptune. Some of these objects display episodic cometary behaviour; a few percent of them are known to host binary companions. Here, we study the light-curves of two Centaurs -2060 Chiron (1977 UB) and 10199 Chariklo (1997 CU26)- and three TNOs -38628 Huya (2000 EB173), 28978 Ixion (2001 KX76), and 90482 Orcus (2004 DW)- and the colours of t…
Numerical analysis of Lyapunov Times for Trans-Neptunian Objects and Main-Belt Asteroids: stability, accuracy, and methodological comparisons
Centrum Badań Kosmicznych Polskiej Akademii Nauk (CBK PAN)（波兰科学院太空研究中心）；Astronomical Observatory, University of Warsaw（华沙大学天文台）；Cilium Engineering Sp. z o.o.（Cilium工程公司）
Recent studies have revealed that all large (over 1000 km in diameter) trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) form satellite systems. Although the largest Plutonian satellite, Charon, is thought to be an intact fragment of an impactor directly formed via a giant impact, whether giant impacts can explain the variations in secondary-to-primary mass ratios and spin/orbital periods among all large TNOs remains to be determined. Here we systematically perform hydrodynamic simulations to investigate satellite formation via giant impacts. We find that the simulated secondary-to-primary mass ratio varies over…
We present results from a new pipeline custom-designed to search for faint, undiscovered solar system bodies using full-frame image data from the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. This pipeline removes the baseline flux of each pixel before aligning and co-adding frames along plausible orbital paths of interest. We first demonstrate the performance of the pipeline by recovering the signals of three trans-Neptunian objects -- 90377 Sedna ($V=20.64$), 2015 BP519 ($V=21.81$), and 2007 TG422 ($V=22.32$) -- both through shift-stacking along their known sky-projected paths a…
The first two observational sky "blocks" of the Outer Solar System Origins Survey (OSSOS) have significantly increased the number of well-characterized observed trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) in Neptune's mean motion resonances. We describe the 31 securely resonant TNOs detected by OSSOS so far, and we use them to independently verify the resonant population models from the Canada-France Ecliptic Plane Survey (CFEPS; Gladman et al. 2012), with which we find broad agreement. We confirm that the 5:2 resonance is more populated than models of the outer Solar System's dynamical history predict; ou…
We present the first photometric observations of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) taken with the Kepler space telescope, obtained in the course of the K2 ecliptic survey. Two faint objects have been monitored in specifically designed pixel masks that were centered on the stationary points of the objects, when their daily motion was the slowest. In the design of the experiment, only the apparent path of these objects were retrieved from the detectors, i.e. the costs in terms of Kepler pixels were minimized. Because of the faintness of the targets we employ specific reduction techniques and co-add…
We report the rotational lightcurves of 21 trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) in Neptune's 2:1 mean motion resonance obtained with the 6.5 m Magellan-Baade telescope and the 4.3 m Lowell Discovery Telescope. The main survey's goal is to find objects displaying a large lightcurve amplitude which is indicative of contact binaries or highly elongated objects. In our sample, two 2:1 resonant TNOs showed a significant short-term lightcurve amplitude: 2002 VD$_{130}$ and (531074) 2012 DX$_{98}$. The full lightcurve of 2012 DX$_{98}$ infers a periodicity of 20.80$\pm$0.06h and amplitude of 0.56$\pm$0.03m…
The trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) are small Solar System bodies at large distances from the Sun. As such, their physical properties are difficult to measure. Accurate determination of their physical parameters is essential to model and theorize the actual composition and distribution of the population, and to improve our understanding of the formation and evolution of the Solar System. The objective of this work is to construct phase curves in two filters, $V$ and $R$, of a large TNO sample obtaining absolute magnitudes ($H$) and phase coefficients ($β$), and study possible relations between …
Over the course of the last decade, observations of highly-inclined (orbital inclination i > 60°) Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) have posed an important challenge to current models of solar system formation (Levison et al. 2008; Nesvorný 2015). These remarkable minor planets necessitate the presence of a distant reservoir of strongly-out-of-plane TNOs, which itself requires some dynamical production mechanism (Gladman et al. 2009; Gomes et al. 2015; Batygin and Brown 2016). A notable recent addition to the census of high-i minor bodies in the solar system is the retrograde asteroid 514107 Ka'e…
The article focuses on trajectory design to the trans-Neptunian object (90377) Sedna for launch in 2029-2034. Sedna is currently moving to the perihelion at a distance of around 74 au from the Sun. The perihelion passage is estimated to be in 2073-74. That opens up of opportunities to study such a distant object. Known for its orbit and 10 thousand year period, Sedna is an exciting object for deep space exploration. The current research provides two possible scenarios of transfer to Sedna. A direct flight and flights including gravity assist manoeuvres are considered. The present study showed …
Observations of clustering among the orbits of the most distant trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) has inspired interest in the possibility of an undiscovered ninth planet lurking in the outskirts of the solar system. Numerical simulations by a number of authors have demonstrated that, with appropriate choices of planet mass and orbit, such a planet can maintain clustering in the orbital elements of the population of distant TNOs, similar to the observed sample. However, many aspects of the rich underlying dynamical processes induced by such a distant eccentric perturber have not been fully explor…
We present our latest results about the short-term variability of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We performed broad-band CCD photometric observations using several telescopes in Spain and Chile. We present results based on three years of observations and report the short-term variability of 10 TNOs. Our sample of studied targets contains classical objects: (275809) 2001 QY297, (307251) 2002 KW14, (55636) 2002 TX300, 2004 NT33, (230965) 2004 XA192, and (202421) 2005 UQ513, a resonant body: (84522) 2002 TC302, a scattered target: (44594) 1999 OX3, and two detached objects: (145480) 2005 TB190, …
The largest trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) represent an extremely diverse collection of primitive bodies in the outer solar system. The community typically refers to these objects as dwarf planets, though the IAU acknowledges only four TNOs officially as such: Pluto, Eris, Makemake, and Haumea. We present a list of 36 potential candidates for reclassification as dwarf planets, namely candidate dwarf planets (CDPs), which cover a wide range of sizes, geometric albedos, surface colors and probably, composition. Understanding the properties across this population, and how those properties change …
Centaurs are objects whose orbits are found between those of the giant planets. They are supposed to originate mainly from the TransNeptunian objects, and they are among the sources of NearEarth Objects.TransNeptunian Objects (TNOs) cross Neptune's orbit and produce the Centaurs. We investigate their interactions with main belt asteroids to determine if chaotic scattering caused by close encounters and impacts by these bodies may have played a role in the dynamical evolution of the main belt. We find that Centaurs and TNOs that reach the inner Solar System can modify the orbits of main belt as…
In this work, we focused on observations of six trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) whose apparent magnitudes are brighter than 20 mag. We present the results of astrometric and photometric observations of (134340) Pluto, (136108) Haumea, (136472) Makemake, (136199) Eris, (90482) Orcus and (20000) Varuna obtained at the Kyiv comet station (Code MPC 585) in 2017-2019. For observations, we used the 0.7-m reflector AZT-8 with the FLI PL4710 CCD camera and filters of the Johnson-Cousins photometric system. From our images, we measured the objects astrometric positions, calculated apparent magnitudes in…
The Effect of Massive Trans-Neptunian Objects in the Long-term Evolution and Leaking Rates of Neptune's 3:2 and 2:1 Mean Motion Resonances
Instituto de Astronomía y Ciencias Planetarias, Universidad de Atacama（阿塔卡马大学行星科学与天文研究所）；Instituto de Astrofísica, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile（智利天主教宗座大学天体物理研究所）；Instituto de Astronomía, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México（墨西哥国立自治大学天文学研究所）；Millennium Institute for Astrophysics（天体物理学千年研究所）；Department of Astronomy, Indiana University（印第安纳大学天文学系）
We study large trans-neptunian objects (TNOs) using stellar occultations. We derive precise astrometric predictions for stellar occultations by Eris, Haumea, Ixion, Makemake, Orcus, Quaoar, Sedna, Varuna, 2002 TX300, and 2003 AZ84 for 2011-2015. We construct local astrometric catalogs of stars in the UCAC2 (Second US Naval Observatory CCD Astrograph Catalog) frame covering the sky path of these objects. For that purpose, during 2007-2009, we carried out an observational program at the ESO2p2/WFI (2.2 m Max-Planck ESO telescope with the Wide Field Imager) instrument. Astrometric catalogs with p…
