Infrared spectroscopy of the largest known trans-neptunian object 2001 KX76
Abstract
We report complete near-infrared (0.9-2.4 μm) spectral observations of the largest know trans-neptunian objects (TNO) 28976 = 2001 KX76 taken in two different nights using the new Near Infrared Camera Spectrometer (NICS) attached to the 3.56m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG). The spectra are featureless and correspond to a neutral colored object. Our observations indicate that the surface of 2001 KX76 is probably highly evolved due to long term irradiation, and that collisional resurfacing processes have not played an important role in its evolution.
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