(574372) 2010 JO179 is a large, high-order resonant trans-Neptunian object in the outermost regions of the Solar System, probably somewhere between 600 and 900 kilometers (370 and 560 miles) in diameter. Long-term observations suggest that the object is in a meta-stable 5:21 resonance with Neptune. Other sources classify it as a scattered disc object. It is possibly large enough to be a dwarf planet. 2010 JO179 has not yet been imaged by high-resolution telescopes, so it has no known moons. The Hubble Space Telescope is planned to image 2010 JO179 in 2026, which should determine if it has significantly sized moons.
First observation and orbit
The Minor Planet Center credits the object's first official observation on 10 May 2010 to Pan-STARRS (F51) at Haleakala Observatory, Hawaii, United States. The observations were made by Pan-STARRS' Outer Solar System Survey. There are 4 February 1951 precovery images from the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey, extending the observation arc by approximately 60 years. The precovery images are from the same year the object came to perihelion (closest approach to the Sun). 2010 JO179 orbits the Sun at a distance of 39.6–118 AU once every 699 years and 5 months (semi-major axis of 78.8 AU). Its orbit has a high eccentricity of 0.50 and an inclination of 32° with respect to the ecliptic.
Numbering and naming This minor planet was numbered by the Minor Planet Center on 10 August 2021, receiving the number 574372 in the minor planet catalog M.P.C. 133504. As of February 2026, it has not been named.
Physical characteristics
Photometry Photometric observations of 2010 JO179 gave a monomodal lightcurve with slow rotation period of 30.6 hours, suggesting a rather spherical shape with significant albedo patchiness. An alternative period solution of a bimodal lightcurve is considered less likely. It would double the period and imply an ellipsoidal shape with an axis-ratio of at least 1.58.
Diameter and albedo The object's mean diameter has been estimated to measure 600 to 900 kilometres (370 to 560 mi), based on an assumed albedo of 0.21 to 0.07. Johnston's archive estimates a diameter of 647 kilometres (402 mi), assuming a albedo of 0.124.
References
External links MPEC, 18 September 2017 1951 precovery images (574372) 2010 JO179 at AstDyS-2, Asteroids—Dynamic Site Ephemeris · Observation prediction · Orbital info · Proper elements · Observational info (574372) 2010 JO179 at the JPL Small-Body Database