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(84922) 2003 VS2

is a trans-Neptunian object discovered by the Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking program on 14 November 2003. Like Pluto, it is in a 2:3 orbital resonance with Neptune and is thus a plutino. It has an elongated shape with an estimated volume-equivalent diameter of 525 km.

Orbit and rotation

Like Pluto, is locked in the 3:2 mean-motion resonance with Neptune, although its orbit is both less inclined and significantly less eccentric than Pluto's.

has a high light curve amplitude of , indicative of an elongated, non-spherical shape. The most likely value of the rotation period is .

Physical characteristics

has a moderately red surface with a moderately red color indices B−V=0.93, V−R=0.59. Its geometrical albedo is about 0.13.

In 2007, its diameter was initially estimated by the Spitzer Space Telescope at . However, in 2012, this was reduced to after new Herschel Space Telescope observations. In 2019, was found to be ellipsoidal in shape based on stellar occultations that occurred in 2013 and 2014; the light curve derived from the occultations suggests that this plutino is not in hydrostatic equilibrium and hence not a dwarf planet. The dimensions of are estimated at , with a volume-equivalent diameter . Further observations of occultations refined the estimate to  ÃƒÂ—  ÃƒÂ—  km, with a mean diameter of .

has no known satellite that can be used to directly determine its mass, but assuming a density of 1&nbsp;g/cm<sup>3</sup>, typical of mid size TNOs, gives a mass estimate of about 6.5&nbsp;kg.

See also

  • 208996 Achlys – a large plutino and possible dwarf planet with an elongated ellipsoid shape
  • Sedna – a dwarf planet discovered the same day as (14 November 2003)

References

External links