NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0473
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0473 |
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PI: Scott Sheppard, Carnegie Institution of Washington (Terrestrial Magn.), sheppard@dtm.ciw.edu
Address: Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, 5241 Broad Branch Road, Washington, DC 20015-1305, USA
CoI: Chad Trujillo, Gemini Observatory - North
Title: The First Known Equal Sized Plutino Binary
Abstract:
We have discovered the first equal sized binary Kuiper Belt object in the 3:2
resonance with Neptune. The four other binary objects known in the 3:2
resonance (including Pluto) have secondaries that are significantly smaller
and closer to the primary. Our newly discovered equal sized binary indicates
a different binary formation mechanism operating within the 3:2 resonance
population. Equal sized binaries are common in the more distant classical
part of the Kuiper Belt and are believed to have formed through some sort of
collisionless interactions within a much denser Kuiper Belt. Most of these
other known equal sized binary objects can not be efficiently resolved with
ground based telescopes because of their small separations. We request Gemini
time to monitor this new bright equal sized binary in order to determine the
period and eccentricity of the binary components. Understanding the orbit of
the components will allow us to estimate the bulk density and binary
formation mechanism. These results will give us insights into the collisional
history and evolution of the 3:2 resonance population.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0473 |
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