2004 KV18

Orbit and classification

Neptune trojans are resonant trans-Neptunian objects (TNO) in a 1:1 mean-motion orbital resonance with Neptune. These trojans have a semi-major axis and an orbital period very similar to Neptune's (30.10 AU; 164.8 years).

belongs to the trailing group, which follow 60° behind Neptune's orbit. It orbits the Sun with a semi-major axis of 30.088 AU at a distance of 24.5–35.7 AU once every 165 years and 0.5 months (60,281 days). Its orbit has a notably high eccentricity of 0.19 and an inclination of 14° with respect to the ecliptic.

Orbital instability

is not a primordial Neptune trojan, and will leave the region on a relatively short time scale. The orbit of a Neptune trojan can only be stable when the eccentricity is less than 0.12. Its lifetime as a trailing Neptune trojan is on the order of 100,000 years into the future.

Physical properties

Diameter and albedo

Based on a generic magnitude-to-diameter conversion, it measures approximately 71 kilometers in diameter using an absolute magnitude of 8.9 and an assumed albedo of 0.10. It is one of the smaller bodies among the first 17 Neptune trojans discovered so far, which measure between 60 and 200 kilometers (for an absolute magnitude of 9.3–6.6 and an assumed albedo of 0.10). Other estimates, implying a higher albedo than 0.10, gave a diameter of approximately 56 kilometers.

Numbering and naming

Due to its orbital uncertainty, this minor planet has not been numbered and its official discoverers have not been determined. If named, it will follow the naming scheme already established with 385571 Otrera, which is to name these objects after figures related to the Amazons, an all-female warrior tribe that fought in the Trojan War on the side of the Trojans against the Greek.

References

References

1. (10 April 2018). "DIVISION F / Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature Working Group for Small Body Nomenclature. THE TRIENNIAL REPORT (2015 Sept 1 - 2018 Feb 15)". IAU.