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arXiv · 1310.7049

The Small Numbers of Large Kuiper Belt Objects

Megan E. Schwamb·Michael E. Brown·Wesley C. Fraser
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Abstract

We explore the brightness distribution of the largest and brightest (m(R)<22) Kuiper belt objects (KBOs). We construct a luminosity function of the dynamically excited or hot Kuiper belt (orbits with inclinations > 5 degrees) from the very brightest to m(R)=23. We find for m(R)< 23, a single slope appears to describe the luminosity function. We estimate ~12 KBOs brighter than m(R)~19.5 are present in the Kuiper belt today. With 9 bodies already discovered this suggests that the inventory of bright KBOs is nearly complete.

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Megan E. Schwamb, Michael E. Brown, Wesley C. Fraser. 2013-10-25. The Small Numbers of Large Kuiper Belt Objects. https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-6256/147/1/2

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