2003 QX113

2003 QX113
Discovery[1]
Discovery date 2003
Designations
MPC designation 2003 QX113
Detached object[2]
Orbital characteristics[3]
Epoch June 18, 2009 (2455000.5)
Aphelion 62.257 AU (Q)
Perihelion 37.486 AU (q)
49.871 AU (a)
Eccentricity 0.24834
352.20 yr
128.89° (M)
Inclination 6.734°
158.09°
26.273°
Physical characteristics
Dimensions 505 km (assumed)[4]
Albedo 0.09 (assumed)
22.6[5]
4.7[3]

    2003 QX113, also written as 2003 QX113, is a detached object[2] that was discovered when it was near aphelion. With an absolute magnitude of 4.7,[3] it may be a dwarf planet.

    It is currently 59.7 AU from the Sun,[5] and, in 2017, it will move beyond 60 AU from the Sun. It will come to aphelion around 2058.[6] It last came to perihelion around 1883.[3] This makes it currently one of the most distant known large bodies (59 AU) in the Solar System after Eris and Dysnomia (both 96.4 AU), 2007 OR10 (87 AU), Sedna (86 AU), 2012 VP113 (83 AU), 2006 QH181 (82 AU), 2013 FY27 (80 AU), and 2010 GB174 (70 AU).[7]

    Assumed size

    When 2003 QX113 was first discovered, it was estimated to have an absolute magnitude (H) of 4.9,[1] giving it an assumed size of only 461 kilometres (286 mi) in diameter.[4] As of 2010, 2003 QX113 is estimated to have a brighter absolute magnitude (H) of 4.7.[3] Assuming it is a trans-Neptunian object with a generic albedo of 0.09, it is about 505 kilometres (314 mi) in diameter.[4]

    It has been observed 23 times over six oppositions and has an orbit quality of 4.[3]

    The orbit of 2003 QX113 compared to Pluto and Neptune.

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Marsden, Brian G. (2006-04-22). "MPEC 2006-H29 : 45 NEW MULTIPLE-OPPOSITION TNOs". IAU Minor Planet Center. Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Retrieved 2010-01-06.
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Marc W. Buie. "Orbit Fit and Astrometric record for 03QX113" (last observation: 2008-05-05 using 23 of 23 observations over 4.87 years). SwRI (Space Science Department). Retrieved 2009-03-23.
    3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "JPL Small-Body Database Browser: (2003 QX113)" (last observation: 2008-05-05; arc: 4.87 years). Retrieved 2009-03-23.
    4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Wm. Robert Johnston (22 August 2008). "List of Known Trans-Neptunian Objects". Johnston's Archive. Archived from the original on 2009-04-18. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "AstDyS 2003QX113 Ephemerides". Department of Mathematics, University of Pisa, Italy. Archived from the original on 2009-05-14. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
    6. ↑ "Horizon Online Ephemeris System". California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Retrieved 2009-03-23.
    7. ↑ AstDyS-2 list of minor planets more than 59.5 AU from the Sun

    External links