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Physical Characterization of the Binary Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt Object 2001 QT 297 |
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| Authors: | Osip David J Kern S D Elliot J L |
| Institution: | 1. Observatories of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, Las Campanas Observatory, USA 2. Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, USA 3. Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA |
| Abstract: | Following our discovery of 2001 QT297 as the second knownbinary Edgeworth–Kuiper Belt Object (EKBO) in October of 2001 IAUC 7733], we havecarried out additional high spatial resolution ground based imaging in October andNovember of 2001 and July, August, and September of 2002. Using the Raymond andBeverly Sackler Magellan Instant Camera (MagIC) on the Baade and Clay 6.5 m telescopesat Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, we have obtained accurate astrometric and photometricmeasurements in the Sloan r’ i’ and g’ filters. Superb seeing conditions andPSF fitting allow an accurate determination of the binary component separation and positionangle over time as well as a detailed study of color and temporal variability of the individualcomponents. Here we present a physical characterization of the individual componentsof 2001 QT297 based on these astrometric, color and variability measurements. We findthe primary to exhibit colors about 0.3 magnitudes redder than solar with no evidencefor variability. The secondary component, however, exhibits strong variability(～0.6 magnitudes) with a best fit period of 4.7526 ± 0.0007 h for a single peaklightcurve or 9.505 ± 0.001 h for a dual peaked lightcurve. The colors measured for thesecondary also suggest variability. Based on a preliminary orbit fit for thepair using observations spanning a one year arc, we are able to estimate a system mass of～ 3.2 × 1018 kg and provide constraints to the surface albedo of 9–14% for assumeddensities between 1 and 2 g/cm3. |
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