(82075) 2000 YW134
A rare 3:8 resonant trans-Neptunian binary system.
(82075) 2000 YW134 is a binary object in the outer Solar System, classified as a resonant trans-Neptunian object. It was first spotted on 26 December 2000 by the Spacewatch survey at Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona. This reddish body follows a rare 3:8 orbital resonance with Neptune, meaning it completes three orbits around the Sun for every eight orbits Neptune makes. Only two other known objects share this resonance: 2014 UE228 and (542258) 2013 AP183.
The object orbits the Sun at distances ranging from 41.0 to 73.8 AU, taking about 434 years and 9 months for a full circuit. Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.29 and is tilted 20° relative to the ecliptic. It last reached perihelion in 1979 and is currently about 46.5 AU from the Sun, with an apparent magnitude of 21.54. It will reach aphelion in December 2197. Earlier studies considered it an extended-scattered or detached object, but later long-term orbital integrations confirmed its 3:8 resonance with Neptune, with a minimum perihelion distance of 38.2 AU.
The Minor Planet Center assigned it the number 82075 on 4 May 2004. As of 2025, it remains unnamed; naming conventions dictate it will receive a mythological name.
Its surface is moderately red in visible light, with an infrared spectral type that falls between very red (RR) and intermediate blue-red (BR). Measured color indices give an average B−V of about 1.0, V−R of about 0.5, and a combined B−R of 1.50.
In 2010, Herschel Space Observatory observations set an upper limit on its geometric albedo at 8% and a maximum effective diameter of 500 km, as no thermal radiation was detected. However, a 2013 study by Michael Mommert suggested a much higher albedo of 0.408±0.329, which would reduce the diameter to about 229 km.
A smaller companion was discovered on 25 October 2002 using the NICMOS instrument on the Hubble Space Telescope, with the announcement made on 6 October 2005. Johnston's Archive estimates the primary's diameter at 216 km and the secondary's at 75 km, based on a secondary-to-primary diameter ratio of 0.347 and a magnitude difference of 1.3. The satellite orbits the primary every 10 days at an average distance of about 1,900 km.
Quick Facts
- Minorplanet
- yes
- Background
- #C2E0FF
- Discoverer
- Spacewatch
- Discovery Site
- Kitt Peak National Obs.
- Discovered
- 26 December 2000
- Mpc Name
- (82075) 2000 YW · 134
- Mp Category
- TNOres (3:8)
- Epoch
- 1 July 2021 (JD 2459396.5)
- Uncertainty
- 2
- Observation Arc
- 20.19 yr (7,373 d)
- Aphelion
- 73.783 AU
- Perihelion
- 40.999 AU
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The object was discovered on 26 December 2000 by the Spacewatch survey at Kitt Peak Observatory. Its orbit has a semi-major axis of 57.39 AU, an eccentricity of 0.29, and an inclination of 20°. It last came to perihelion in 1979 and is currently about 46.5 AU from the Sun; it will reach aphelion in December 2197. The object stays in a rare 3:8 orbital resonance with Neptune, meaning it orbits the Sun three times for every eight orbits of Neptune. Only two other objects—2014 UE228 and (542258) 2013 AP183—are known to share this resonance. Earlier classifications as an extended-scattered or detached object were considered, but improved observations and numerical integrations have secured its 3:8 resonance.
The minor planet was numbered on 4 May 2004, receiving the number 82075. As of 2025, it has not been named; according to established conventions, it will be given a mythological name. Its surface is moderately red in the visible spectrum, with IR spectral type transitioning from very red (RR) to intermediate blue-red (BR). Measured color indices give an averaged B−V near 1.0 and V−R near 0.5, for a combined B−R magnitude of 1.50.
In 2010, Herschel Space Observatory observations constrained the geometric albedo to no darker than 8% and placed an upper limit on effective mean diameter of 500 km, as no thermal radiation was detected. However, Michael Mommert's 2013 dissertation reported a much higher albedo of 0.408±0.329, reducing the effective diameter to 229 km. A satellite was discovered on 25 October 2002 using the NICMOS instrument of the Hubble Space Telescope, announced on 6 October 2005. Johnston's Archive derives a primary diameter of 216 km and a secondary diameter of 75 km, with the satellite orbiting every 10 days at an average distance of 1,900 km.
Reader's Guide
The significance of (82075) 2000 YW134 lies in its rare 3:8 orbital resonance with Neptune, a dynamical state shared by only two other known objects. This resonance places it among a small group of trans-Neptunian objects that help constrain models of Solar System evolution and migration. The object's binary nature, discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2002, adds further interest, as binary systems in the outer Solar System provide insights into formation processes and mass distribution. The uncertainty in its diameter and albedo—ranging from a possible 500 km (with low albedo) to 229 km (with high albedo)—highlights the challenges in characterizing distant objects. Its moderately red surface and transitional spectral type contribute to the understanding of surface compositions in the Kuiper belt. The object's legacy is tied to its role in refining orbital resonance classifications and its contribution to the census of resonant trans-Neptunian binaries.
Did You Know?
- It is one of only three known objects in a 3:8 orbital resonance with Neptune.
- A smaller companion was discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope in October 2002.
- Its diameter is uncertain, with estimates ranging from 229 km to 500 km depending on albedo.
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