Objects Encyclopedia Entry 1778593925
SUMMARY: A Kuiper Belt Object (KBO), designated as 2000 EB173, is a small, icy celestial body located in the outer reaches of the Solar System.
Overview
2000 EB173, also known as Eris' companion, is a Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) discovered on March 5, 2000, by a team of astronomers led by Michael Brown. This small, icy world is a fascinating addition to our understanding of the Solar System's outer regions. With a diameter of approximately 1,300 kilometers (800 miles), 2000 EB173 is significantly smaller than Pluto, the largest known KBO. Its highly eccentric orbit takes it from a distance of about 45 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun to a perihelion of around 38 AU.
History/Background
The discovery of 2000 EB173 was a significant event in the field of astrophysics, as it provided valuable insights into the composition and structure of KBOs. The object's highly inclined orbit and unusual orbital characteristics led astronomers to believe that it might be a moon of Eris, a larger KBO discovered in 2005. However, further observations revealed that 2000 EB173 is actually a separate, distinct object. This finding has contributed to our understanding of the complex dynamics and orbital patterns of KBOs in the Kuiper Belt.
Key Information
- Orbital Characteristics: 2000 EB173 has a highly eccentric orbit with a semi-major axis of approximately 41.5 AU. Its orbital period is around 275 years, and it has a highly inclined orbit of about 45 degrees relative to the Ecliptic.
- Physical Properties: The object's diameter is estimated to be around 1,300 kilometers (800 miles), and its surface is likely composed of water ice mixed with darker organic material.
- Composition: Scientists believe that 2000 EB173 is a primordial object, meaning it has retained its original composition since the formation of the Solar System. Its surface is thought to be composed of water ice, methane, and ammonia ices, which are common in KBOs.
Significance
The discovery of 2000 EB173 has significant implications for our understanding of the Solar System's outer regions. The object's highly eccentric orbit and unusual orbital characteristics provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of KBOs. Additionally, the study of 2000 EB173 has contributed to our understanding of the formation and evolution of the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy bodies and small celestial objects beyond the orbit of Neptune.
INFOBOX:
- Name: 2000 EB173
- Type: Kuiper Belt Object (KBO)
- Date: March 5, 2000
- Location: Outer reaches of the Solar System
- Known For: Highly eccentric orbit and unusual orbital characteristics
TAGS: Kuiper Belt Object, Eris, Pluto, Solar System, Astrometry, Orbital Dynamics, Primordial Object, Water Ice, Organic Material.
