Short-term variability of 10 trans-Neptunian objects

We present our latest results about the short-term variability of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We performed broad-band CCD photometric observations using several telescopes in Spain and Chile. We present results based on three years of observations and report the short-term variability of 10 TNOs. Our sample of studied targets contains classical objects: (275809) 2001 QY₂₉₇, (307251) 2002 KW₁₄, (55636) 2002 TX₃₀₀, 2004 NT₃₃, (230965) 2004 XA₁₉₂ and (202421) 2005 UQ₅₁₃; a resonant body: (84522) 2002 TC₃₀₂; a scattered target: (44594) 1999 OX₃; and two detached objects: (145480) 2005 TB₁₉₀ and (40314) 1999 KR₁₆. For each target, light curves as well as possible rotation periods and photometric amplitudes are reported. The majority of the observed objects present a low peak-to-peak amplitude, < 0.15 mag. Only two objects exhibit light curve amplitudes higher than 0.15 mag: (275809) 2001 QY₂₉₇ and (307251) 2002 KW₁₄. We note two biases in the literature, previously studied in Thirouin et al. and confirmed by this new study: a bias towards objects with a small amplitude light curve and a second one against objects with a long rotational period in the data base of published rotational periods. We derive constraints on physical properties of some targets. We also report the solar phase curves of (40314) 1999 KR₁₆ and (44594) 1999 OX₃ for solar phase angles from 0° to around 2°. Part of our discussion is focused on the study of (275809) 2001 QY₂₉₇ which turned out to be an asynchronous binary system.