1999 TR11
Trans-Neptunian object
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1999 TR11 is a resonant trans-Neptunian object from the Kuiper belt, located in the outermost region of the Solar System. The reddish plutino measures approximately 93 kilometers (58 miles) in diameter. It was first observed on 9 October 1999, by American astronomer Scott Sheppard at the Mauna Kea Observatories with the University of Hawaii's 2.2-meter telescope.[1][2]
(first observed only)
| Discovery[1][2] | |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | S. S. Sheppard[3] |
| Discovery site | Mauna Kea Obs. |
| Discovery date | 9 October 1999 (first observed only) |
| Designations | |
| 1999 TR11 | |
| TNO[4] · plutino[5] distant[1] | |
| Orbital characteristics[4] | |
| Epoch 21 November 2025 (JD 2461000.5) | |
| Uncertainty parameter 3 | |
| Observation arc | 25.38 yr (9,271 d) |
| Aphelion | 49.668 AU |
| Perihelion | 29.812 AU |
| 39.740 AU | |
| Eccentricity | 0.2498 |
| 250.52 yr (91,504 d) | |
| 44.628° | |
| 0° 0m 14.4s / day | |
| Inclination | 17.119° |
| 54.624° | |
| 347.52° | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| 93 km (est.)[5] | |
| 0.09 (assumed)[5] | |
| RR (very red)[5] B–V = 1.020[6] V–R = 0.750[6] | |
| 8.4[1][4] 8.63[6] | |
Orbit and classification
1999 TR11 orbits the Sun at a distance of 29.7–48.7 AU once every 245 years and 3 months (89,589 days; semi-major axis of 39.18 AU). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.24 and an inclination of 17° with respect to the ecliptic.[4] The body's observation arc begins with a precovery taken at Mauna Kea on 7 October 1999, just two nights prior to its official first observation.[1]
It is a member of the plutinos, a group of resonant trans-Neptunian objects named after Pluto. Located in the inner region of Kuiper belt, the plutinos have a 2:3 orbital resonance with Neptune.
Numbering and naming
As of 2025, this minor planet has neither been numbered nor named by the Minor Planet Center. The official discoverer(s) will be defined when the object is numbered.[1]
Physical characteristics
1999 TR11 has a very reddish color (RR), indicative of a non-carbonaceous composition rich in tholins and methane.[5] According to Johnston's Archive, the object only measures 93 kilometers in diameter based on an absolute magnitude of 8.4, and an assumed albedo of 0.09 for the body's surface.[5] Since it is far too small for being considered a dwarf planet candidate, it is not listed at Michael Brown's website.[7] As of 2018, no rotational lightcurve of 1999 TR11 has been obtained from photometric observations. The body's rotation period, pole and shape remain unknown.[4][8]