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Issue A&A
Volume 409, Number 2, October II 2003
Page(s) L13 - L16
Section Letters
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361:20031253



A&A 409, L13-L16 (2003)
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20031253

Letter

Rotational brightness variations in Trans-Neptunian Object 50000 Quaoar

J. L. Ortiz1, P. J. Gutiérrez1, 2, A. Sota1, V. Casanova1 and V. R. Teixeira3

1  Instituto de Astrofísica de Andalucía, CSIC, Apt 3004, 18080 Granada, Spain
2  Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille, Traverse du Siphon, BP 8, 13376 Marseille Cedex 12, France
3  Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Lisbon / Lisbon Astronomical Observatory, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-018 Lisbon, Portugal

(Received 14 July 2003 / Accepted 14 August 2003)

Abstract
Time-resolved broad-band CCD photometry of Trans-Neptunian Object 50000 Quaoar carried out using the 1.5 m telescope at Sierra Nevada Observatory is presented. The lightcurve reveals short-term variability due to rotation of the body. The periodogram analysis shows a peak at $8.8394 \pm 0.0002$ h with a confidence level above 99.9%. The lightcurve seems to be double-peaked, and therefore the rotation period would be $17.6788 \pm 0.0004$ h. The amplitude of the oscillation is $0.133 \pm 0.028$ mag. Under the assumption that the rotational variation is induced by an irregular shape, the minimum axial ratio of Quaoar would then be $1.133 \pm 0.028$.


Key words: minor planets, asteroids -- Kuiper Belt

Offprint request: J. L. Ortiz, ortiz@iaa.es




© ESO 2003


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