Long-term photometric monitoring of the dwarf planet (136472) Makemake
Abstract
Aims: We studied the rotational properties of the dwarf planet Makemake.
Methods: The photometric observations were carried out at different telescopes between 2006 and 2017. Most of the measurements were acquired in BVRI broad-band filters of a standard Johnson-Cousins photometric system.
Results: We found that Makemake rotates more slowly than was previously reported. A possible lightcurve asymmetry suggests a double-peaked period of P = 22.8266 ± 0.0001 h. A small peak-to-peak lightcurve amplitude in R-filter A = 0.032 ± 0.005 mag implies an almost spherical shape or near pole-on orientation. We also measured BVRI colours and the R-filter phase-angle slope and revised the absolute magnitudes. The absolute magnitude of Makemake has remained unchanged since its discovery in 2005. No direct evidence of a newly discovered satellite was found in our photometric data; however, we discuss the possible existence of another larger satellite.
- Publication:
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Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- May 2019
- DOI:
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1904.03679
- Bibcode:
- 2019A&A...625A..46H
- Keywords:
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- Kuiper belt objects: (136472) individual: Makemake;
- techniques: photometric;
- Astrophysics - Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- Accepted for publication in Astronomy &