277 research outputs found
Visible-IR Colors and Lightcurve Analysis of Two Bright TNOs: 1999 TC36 and 1998 SN165
We report on observations of two bright Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) - 1999
TC36 and 1998 SN165}- during two observational campaigns, as part of the Meudon
Multicolor Survey of Outer Solar System Objects. V-J color was measured for
1999 TC36 (V-J=2.34+/-0.18), which combined with previous measured colors in
the visible, indicate a red reflectivity spectrum at all wavelengths.
Photometric V-band lightcurves were taken for both objects over a time span of
around 8 hours. We have determined a possible rotational period of P=10.1+/-0.8
h for 1998 SN165, making it the seventh TNO with an estimated period. From its
lightcurve variation of Dm=0.151(+0.022/-0.030), we have inferred an asymmetry
ratio of a/b >=1.148(+0.024/-0.031). For 1999 TC36, we did not detect any
rotational period or periodic signal variation within the uncertainties, but
the analysis of its lightcurve hints to a slight systematic magnitude decrease.Comment: Accepted for publication in New Astronomy (13 pages, inc. 4 figures
Colors and taxonomy of Centaurs and Trans-Neptunian Objects
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 FORS2 and
ISAAC instruments at the Very Large Telescope (European Southern Observatory).
Using G-mode analysis, we derived taxonomic classifications according to the
Barucci et al. (2005a) system. We report photometric observations of 31
objects, 10 of them have their colors reported for the first time ever. 28
Centaurs and TNOs have been assigned to a taxon. We combined the entire sample
of 38 objects taxonomically classified in the framework of our programme (28
objects from this work; 10 objects from DeMeo et al. 2009a) with previously
classified TNOs and Centaurs, looking for correlations between taxonomy and
dynamics. We compared our photometric results to literature data, finding hints
of heterogeneity for the surfaces of 4 objects.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures. To be published in Astronomy and Astrophysic
Rotational properties of the Haumea family members and candidates: Short-term variability
Haumea is one of the most interesting and intriguing transneptunian objects
(TNOs). It is a large, bright, fast rotator, and its spectrum indicates nearly
pure water ice on the surface. It has at least two satellites and a dynamically
related family of more than ten TNOs with very similar proper orbital
parameters and similar surface properties. The Haumean family is the only one
currently known in the transneptunian belt. Various models have been proposed
but the formation of the family remains poorly understood. In this work, we
have investigated the rotational properties of the family members and
unconfirmed family candidates with short-term variability studies, and report
the most complete review to date. We present results based on five years of
observations and report the short-term variability of five family members, and
seven candidates. The mean rotational periods, from Maxwellian fits to the
frequency distributions, are 6.27+/-1.19 h for the confirmed family members,
6.44+/-1.16 h for the candidates, and 7.65+/-0.54 h for other TNOs (without
relation to the family). According to our study, there is a suggestion that
Haumea family members rotate faster than other TNOs, however, the sample of
family member is still too limited for a secure conclusion. We also highlight
the fast rotation of 2002 GH32. This object has a 0.36+/-0.02 mag amplitude
lightcurve and a rotational period of about 3.98 h. Assuming 2002 GH32 is a
triaxial object in hydrostatic equilibrium, we derive a lower limit to the
density of 2.56 g cm^-3. This density is similar to Haumea's and much more
dense than other small TNO densities.Comment: Accepted for publication, A
Reopening the TNOs Color Controversy: Centaurs Bimodality and TNOs Unimodality
We revisit the Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) color controversy allegedly
solved by Tegler and Romanishin 2003. We debate the statistical approach of the
quoted work and discuss why it can not draw the claimed conclusions, and
reanalyze their data sample with a more adequate statistical test. We find
evidence for the existence of two color groups among the Centaurs. Therefore,
mixing both centaurs and TNOs populations lead to the erroneous conclusion of a
global bimodality, while there is no evidence for two color groups in the TNOs
population alone. We use quasi-simultaneous visible color measurements
published for 20 centaurs (corresponding to about half of the identified
objects of this class), and conclude on the existence of two groups. With the
surface evolution model of Delsanti et al. (2003) we discuss how the existence
of two groups of Centaurs may be compatible with a continuous TNOs color
distribution.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and
Astrophysics Letter
Statistical inversion method for binary asteroids orbit determination
International audienceWe focus on the study of binary asteroids, which are common in the Solar system from its inner to its outer regions . These objects provide fundamental physical parameters such as mass and density, andhence clues on the early solar sytem, or ooher processes that are affecting asteroid over time. The present method of orbit computation for resolved binaries is based on Markov Chain Monte-Carlo statistical inversion technique. Particularly we use the metropolis-hasting algorithm with Thiele - Innes equation for sampling the orbital elements and system mass through the sampling observations. The method requires a minimum of four observations, made at the same tangent plane; it is of particular interest for orbit determination over short ars or with sparse data. The observations are sampled within their observationale errors with an assumed distribution. The sampling yields the whole region of possible orbits including the one that is most probable.
The Color Distribution in the Edgeworth-Kuiper Belt
We have started since 1997 the Meudon Multicolor Survey of Outer Solar System
Objects with the aim of collecting a large and homogeneous set of color data
for Trans-Neptunian and Centaurs objects [...] We have a combined sample of 52
B-R color measurements for 8 Centaurs, 22 Classicals, 13 Plutinos, 8 Scattered
objects and 1 object with unidentified dynamical class. This dataset is the
largest single and homogeneous published dataset to date [...]. A strong
(color) correlation with mean excitation velocity points toward a space
weathering/impact origin for the color diversity. However, thorough modeling of
the collisional/dynamical environment in the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt needs to be
done in order to confirm this scenario. We found also that the Classical TNOs
consist in the superposition of two distinct populations: the dynamically Cold
Classical TNOs (red colors, low i, small sizes) and the dynamically Hot
Classical TNOs (diverse colors, moderate and high i, larger sizes). [...] Our
specific observation strategy [...] permitted us to highlight a few objects
suspected to have true compositional and/or texture variation on their
surfaces. These are 1998 HK151, 1999 DF9, 1999 OY3, 2000 GP183, 2000 OK67, and
2001 KA77 and should be prime targets for further observations [...]. Our
survey has also highlighted 1998 SN165 whose colors and dynamical properties
puts it in a new dynamical class distinct from the Classicals, its previously
assigned dynamical class.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomical Journal (38 pages, inc. 11
figures
Detection Technique for Artificially-Illuminated Objects in the Outer Solar System and Beyond
Existing and planned optical telescopes and surveys can detect
artificially-illuminated objects comparable in total brightness to a major
terrestrial city out to the outskirts of the Solar System. Orbital parameters
of Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) are routinely measured to exquisite precisions of
<10^{-3}. Here we propose to measure the variation of the observed flux F from
such objects as a function of their changing orbital distances D.
Sunlight-illuminated objects will show a logarithmic slope alpha=(dlogF/dlog
D)=-4 whereas artificially-illuminated objects should exhibit alpha=-2. Planned
surveys using the proposed LSST will provide superb data that would allow
measurement of alpha for thousands of KBOs. If objects with alpha=-2 are found,
follow-up observations can measure their spectra to determine if they are
illuminated by artificial lighting. The search can be extended beyond the Solar
System with future generations of telescopes on the ground and in space, which
would be capable of detecting phase modulation due to very strong artificial
illumination on the night-side of planets as they orbit their parent stars.Comment: 9 pages, accepted for publication in Astrobiolog
Coordinated thermal and optical observations of Trans-Neptunian object (20000) Varuna from Sierra Nevada
We report on coordinated thermal and optical measurements of trans-Neptunian
object (20000) Varuna obtained in January-February 2002, respectively from the
IRAM 30-m and IAA 1.5 m telescopes. The optical data show a lightcurve with a
period of 3.176+/-0.010 hr, a mean V magnitude of 20.37+/-0.08 and a
0.42+/-0.01 magnitude amplitude. They also tentatively indicate that the
lightcurve is asymmetric and double-peaked. The thermal observations indicate a
1.12+/-0.41 mJy flux, averaged over the object's rotation. Combining the two
datasets, we infer that Varuna has a mean 1060(+180/-220) km diameter and a
mean 0.038(+0.022/-0.010) V geometric albedo, in general agreement with an
earlier determination using the same technique.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics (7 pages,
including 3 figures
Neptune Trojans and Plutinos: colors, sizes, dynamics, and their possible collisions
Neptune Trojans and Plutinos are two subpopulations of trans-Neptunian
objects located in the 1:1 and the 3:2 mean motion resonances with Neptune,
respectively, and therefore protected from close encounters with the planet.
However, the orbits of these two kinds of objects may cross very often,
allowing a higher collisional rate between them than with other kinds of
trans-Neptunian objects, and a consequent size distribution modification of the
two subpopulations.
Observational colors and absolute magnitudes of Neptune Trojans and Plutinos
show that i) there are no intrinsically bright (large) Plutinos at small
inclinations, ii) there is an apparent excess of blue and intrinsically faint
(small) Plutinos, and iii) Neptune Trojans possess the same blue colors as
Plutinos within the same (estimated) size range do.
For the present subpopulations we analyzed the most favorable conditions for
close encounters/collisions and address any link there could be between those
encounters and the sizes and/or colors of Plutinos and Neptune Trojans. We also
performed a simultaneous numerical simulation of the outer Solar System over 1
Gyr for all these bodies in order to estimate their collisional rate.
We conclude that orbital overlap between Neptune Trojans and Plutinos is
favored for Plutinos with large libration amplitudes, high eccentricities, and
small inclinations. Additionally, with the assumption that the collisions can
be disruptive creating smaller objects not necessarily with similar colors, the
present high concentration of small Plutinos with small inclinations can thus
be a consequence of a collisional interaction with Neptune Trojans and such
hypothesis should be further analyzed.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures, 6 tables, accepted for publication in A&
ESO Large Programme on Trans-Neptunian Objects and Centaurs: Spectroscopic Investigation of Centaur 2001 BL41 and TNOs (26181) 1996 GQ21 and (26375) 1999 DE9*
Observational results that are part of an ESO Large Programme dedicated to the characterization of the physical properties of trans-Neptunian objects and Centaurs are presented. We report observations related to the Centaur 2001 BL41 and two trans-Neptunian objects, (26181) 1996 GQ21 and (26375) 1999 DE9. We present results from broadband photometry (JHK filters) and low-dispersion infrared spectroscopy performed with ISAAC at the Very Large Telescope, in Chile. None of the spectra show evidence of absorption features—in particular, water ice features. We use a radiative transfer model to investigate the surface composition of these icy and primitive outer solar system bodies. We suggest models composed of geographical mixtures of organic compounds and minerals
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