Other
Scientific paper
May 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009aas...21425101c&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #214, #251.01; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 41, p.751
Other
Scientific paper
Spectroscopic and colorimetric observations of a modest number of the approximately 1000 known trans-Neptunian objects have revealed a surprising diversity in terms of overall reflectance (albedo), color, and spectral signature. This diversity is also reflected in the Centaur objects, which have recently "leaked” out (in a dynamical sense) of the trans-Neptunian region and into short-term orbits in the planetary region of the Solar System. Most objects have low albedos on the order of 0.1, while some are much brighter. At least four clear color classes exist, based on a taxonomic study of visible-near IR photometry. Of those bright enough to yield to near-infrared spectroscopy, some are found to be neutral in color, exhibiting no diagnostic spectral bands, while others show clear evidence of frozen CH4, C2H6, CH3OH, and H2O, in varying proportions. There is also evidence for frozen N2, as is found on Triton and Pluto. Those objects with solid N2 are supposed to have weak atmospheres because of the high vapor pressure of N2 at the relevant temperatures (30-40 K). Spectral properties have been used to link dynamically similar objects to a single precursor body that has been disrupted. The surface compositions, atmospheres, and surface structures of trans-Neptunian and Centaur objects can be referenced to those of Triton and Pluto, for which considerable spectroscopic and spacecraft data (Triton) exist. Laboratory data on ices and carbonaceous materials are crucial in the interpretation of astronomical data on the small bodies of the outer Solar System, and more lab data are needed. The New Horizons spacecraft en route to Pluto will fly by in July, 2015, thus extending and fortifying our understanding of a body that may be a template for many additional trans-Neptunian objects.
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