Infrared spectroscopy of the largest known trans-Neptunian object 2001 KX75

We report complete near-infrared (0.9-2.4 mu m) spectral observations of the largest know trans-Neptunian objects (TNO) 28976 = 2001 KX₇₆ taken in two different nights using the new Near Infrared Camera Spectrometer (NICS) attached to the 3.56 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG). The spectra are featureless and correspond to a neutral colored object. Our observations indicate that the surface of 2001 KX₇₆ is probably highly evolved due to long term irradiation, and that collisional resurfacing processes have not played an important role in its evolution.