(182294) 2001 KU76

(182294) 2001 KU₇₆ (provisional designation 2001 KU₇₆) is a trans-Neptunian object (TNO) that has a possible 6:11 resonance with Neptune.^[2][3]

(182294) 2001 KU₇₆

Discovery[1]
Discovered by	Buie, M. W.
Discovery date	24 May 2001
Designations
MPC designation	(182294) 2001 KU76
Minor planet category	Trans-Neptunian object 6:11 resonance?[2][3]
Orbital characteristics[1]
Epoch 13 January 2016 (JD 2457400.5)
Uncertainty parameter 4
Observation arc	2536 days (6.94 yr)
Aphelion	52.656 AU (7.8772 Tm) (Q)
Perihelion	37.693 AU (5.6388 Tm) (q)
Semi-major axis	45.175 AU (6.7581 Tm) (a)
Eccentricity	0.16561 (e)
Orbital period (sidereal)	303.63 yr (110903 d)
Mean anomaly	354.46° (M)
Mean motion	0° 0m 11.686s / day (n)
Inclination	10.637° (i)
Longitude of ascending node	44.987° (Ω)
Time of perihelion	≈ 6 December 2021[4] ±3 months
Argument of perihelion	204.39° (ω)
Earth MOID	36.6816 AU (5.48749 Tm)
Jupiter MOID	32.3615 AU (4.84121 Tm)
Physical characteristics
Dimensions	211 km (assumed)[5]
Geometric albedo	0.09 (assumed)
Absolute magnitude (H)	6.6[1]

Assuming a generic TNO albedo of 0.09, it is about 211 km in diameter.^[5] The assumed diameter of this object makes it a possible dwarf planet.^[6]

Resonance

Simulations by Lykawka in 2007 show that 2001 KU₇₆ may be librating in the 6:11 resonance with Neptune.^[2] Marc Buie classifies it as probably in resonance, although some possible orbits do not librate.^[3] 2001 KU₇₆ has a semi-major axis of 45 AU and an orbital period of about 302 years.^[1]

It has been observed 29 times over 6 years and has an orbit quality code of 4.^[1]

The libration of 2001 KU₇₆'s nominal orbit. Neptune is the white (stationary) dot at 5 o'clock. Uranus is blue, Saturn yellow, and Jupiter red.