Orbits and Physical Properties of Four Binary Transneptunian Objects
Abstract
Intriguing patterns are evident in both the orbits of transneptunian objects and in their observable external characteristics (colors, spectral features, etc.). Bulk physical properties are needed to make sense of the observations and to exploit them to constrain conditions in the protoplanetary disk where these objects formed. The key to obtaining bulk properties of transneptunian objects is that a sizeable proportion of them are binaries. Binary mutual orbits provide dynamical masses that can in turn be used to compute bulk densities. A statistical sample of binary orbits offers powerful constraints on formation mechanisms as well as subsequent evolution. This proposal seeks to continue a multi-year campaign to obtain orbits for as large of a sample of binary transneptunian objects as possible. We seek to make efficient use of HST by targeting four systems where we can obtain a dramatic improvement in orbital knowledge from relatively few, strategically timed visits, and where the secondary is too faint for reliable detection with ground-based near-IR adaptive optics techniques.
- Publication:
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HST Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014hst..prop13692G