The albedo-color diversity of transneptunian objects

DOI: 
10.1088/2041-8205/793/1/L2
Publication date: 
01/09/2014
Main author: 
Lacerda P.
IAA authors: 
Santos-Sanz P.;Duffard R.
Authors: 
Lacerda P., Fornasier S., Lellouch E., Kiss C., Vilenius E., Santos-Sanz P., Rengel M., Müller T., Stansberry J., Duffard R., Delsanti A., Guilbert-Lepoutre A.
Journal: 
Astrophysical Journal Letters
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
793
Pages: 
Number: 
L2
Abstract: 
We analyze albedo data obtained using the Herschel Space Observatory that reveal the existence of two distinct types of surface among midsized trans-Neptunian objects. A color-albedo diagram shows two large clusters of objects, one redder and higher albedo and another darker and more neutrally colored. Crucially, all objects in our sample located in dynamically stable orbits within the classical Kuiper Belt region and beyond are confined to the bright red group, implying a compositional link. Those objects are believed to have formed further from the Sun than the dark neutral bodies. This color-albedo separation is evidence for a compositional discontinuity in the young solar system. © 2014. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Database: 
SCOPUS
WOK
ADS
URL: 
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/#abs/2014ApJ...793L...2L/abstract
ADS Bibcode: 
2014ApJ...793L...2L
Keywords: 
General; Kuiper Belt