(44594) 1999 OX3

(44594) 1999 OX3

Orbit diagram (top view, 1999 OX3 in blue)
Discovery[1] and designation
Discovered by Mauna Kea
Discovery date 21 July 1999
Designations
MPC designation (44594) 1999 OX3
TNO[2]
centaur (DES)[3]
Orbital characteristics[2]
Epoch 2008-11-30 (2454800.5)
Aphelion 47.169 AU (Q)
Perihelion 17.644 AU (q)
(near Uranus)
32.407 AU (a)
(near Neptune)
Eccentricity 0.4555
184.49 yr
330.47° (M)
Inclination 2.62°
259.13°
143.92°
Physical characteristics
Dimensions 192 km[4]
0.09 (assumed)
6.7[2]

    (44594) 1999 OX3 is a trans-Neptunian object with a centaur-like orbit.

    Classification

    Neptune has a semi-major axis of 30 AU and (44594) 1999 OX3 has a semi-major axis of 32 AU. The Minor Planet Center (MPC) does not classify this object as a centaur because the MPC defines centaurs as having a semi-major axis of less than 30.066 AU. (44594) 1999 OX3 crosses the orbits of both Neptune and Uranus and has an inclination of only 2.62°. The Deep Ecliptic Survey (DES) defines centaurs using a dynamical classification scheme, based on the behavior of orbital integrations over 10 million years. The DES defines centaurs as nonresonant objects whose osculating perihelia are less than the osculating semimajor axis of Neptune at any time during the integration. Using the dynamical definition of a centaur, (44594) 1999 OX3 is a centaur.[3]

    References

    1. ↑ "Discovery Circumstances: Numbered Minor Planets (40001)-(45000)". IAU: Minor Planet Center. Archived from the original on 1 November 2008. Retrieved 21 December 2008.
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: 44594 (1999 OX3)" (last observation: 2006-10-14). Retrieved 2008-09-30.
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Marc W. Buie (2006-10-14). "Orbit Fit and Astrometric record for 44594". SwRI (Space Science Department). Retrieved 2008-09-30.
    4. ↑ Wm. Robert Johnston (22 August 2008). "List of Known Trans-Neptunian Objects". Johnston's Archive. Archived from the original on 28 September 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-30.

    External links