THE ALBEDO-COLOR DIVERSITY OF TRANSNEPTUNIAN OBJECTS

Abstract

We analyze albedo data obtained using the Herschel Space Observatory that reveal the existence of two distinct types of surface among midsized transnep-tunian objects. A color-albedo diagram shows two large clusters of objects, one redder and higher albedo and another darker and more neutrally colored. Cru-cially, all objects in our sample located in dynamically stable orbits within the classical Kuiper belt region and beyond are confined to the bright-red group, implying a compositional link. Those objects are believed to have formed fur-ther from the Sun than the dark-neutral bodies. This color-albedo separation is evidence for a compositional discontinuity in the young solar system. Subject headings: Kuiper belt: general ar X iv