(55565) 2002 AW197

(55565) 2002 AW197 (provisional designation 2002 AW197) is a classical, non-resonant trans-Neptunian object from the Kuiper belt in the outermost region of the Solar System, also known as a cubewano. It is the tenth-intrinsically-brightest known trans-Neptunian objct, and with a likely diameter of at least 600 kilometers (400 miles), it is approximately tied with 2002 MS4 and 2013 FY27 (to within measurement uncertainties) as the largest unnamed object in the Solar System. It was discovered at Palomar Observatory in 2002.

(55565) 2002 AW197
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/55565-2002aw197_hst.jpg

2002 AW197: A Notable Trans-Neptunian Object

2002 AW197, designated as a classical, non-resonant trans-Neptunian object, is located within the Kuiper belt, marking it as one of the most significant bodies in the outer solar system. Discovered at Palomar Observatory in 2002, it is recognized as the tenth-intrinsically-brightest known trans-Neptunian object.

Discovery

The discovery of 2002 AW197 occurred on January 10, 2002, by a team of astronomers including Michael Brown, Chad Trujillo, Eleanor Helin, Michael Hicks, Kenneth Lawrence, and Steven H. Pravdo. It is situated near the Kuiper cliff.

Orbit and Classification

2002 AW197 orbits the Sun at a distance ranging from 40.9 to 53.2 AU, completing a full orbit every 322.6 years. Its orbit features an eccentricity of 0.13 and an inclination of 24° with respect to the ecliptic. The observational history of this object began with precovery data from Haleakala-NEAT/GEODSS in December 1997, highlighting its long-term monitoring.

Physical Characteristics

Measurements from the Herschel Space Observatory and Spitzer Space Telescope suggest that 2002 AW197 has an estimated diameter of 768 km with a geometric albedo of 0.112. Its surface features a strong red slope, indicative of organic material, and lacks presence of water ice, differentiating it from similar bodies like Quaoar.

Significance

2002 AW197 is of particular interest due to its size and composition, considered one of the largest unnamed objects in the solar system, potentially linked to a class of dwarf planets. Its physical and orbital characteristics continue to be subjects of study among astronomers.

Related Objects

  • 174567 Varda – a similar trans-Neptunian object by orbit, size, and color
  • List of Solar System objects by size

References

  • Cruikshank, D., et al. (2004). High Albedo KBO (55565)2002 AW197, The Astronomical Journal Letters.
  • Tancredi, G. (2009). Physical and dynamical characteristics of icy “dwarf planets” (plutoids), IAU Symposium No. 263.
  • Tegler, S. C. (2018). Kuiper Belt Object Magnitudes and Surface Colors.

For more detailed information, visit (55565) 2002 AW197 at AstDyS-2 and (55565) 2002 AW197 at the JPL Small-Body Database.