Surface Composition of Kuiper Belt Object 1993SC
Robert H. Brown,
Dale P. Cruikshank,
Yvonne Pendleton,
Glenn J. Veeder
The 1.42- to 2.40-micrometer spectrum of Kuiper belt object
1993SC was measured at the Keck Observatory in October 1996. It shows a
strongly red continuum reflectance and several prominent infrared
absorption features. The strongest absorptions in 1993SC's spectrum
occur near 1.62, 1.79, 1.95, 2.20, and 2.32 micrometers in wavelength.
Features near the same wavelengths in the spectra of Pluto and
Neptune's satellite Triton are due to CH4 on their surfaces, suggesting the presence of a simple hydrocarbon ice such as
CH4, C2H6,
C2H4, or C2H2 on
1993SC. In addition, the red continuum reflectance of 1993SC suggests
the presence of more complex hydrocarbons.
R. H. Brown, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and Steward Observatory,
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
D. P. Cruikshank and Y. Pendleton, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett
Field, CA 94035, USA.
G. J. Veeder, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of
Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA.
