2003 UZ413 has been observed 79 times over 15 oppositions, with precovery images back to 27 July 1954.[2]
Orbit and rotation
2003 UZ413 is in a 2:3 resonance with Neptune, which means that when it makes two revolutions around the Sun, Neptune makes exactly three.[3]
The object rotates very fast. In fact, with a period of about 4.13 hours, it is the fastest rotator known in the Kuiper belt after Haumea.[6][8]
Physical characteristics
The mean diameter of 2003 UZ413 is estimated to be 650+1 −175 km, assuming a low albedo.[5]
Given its rapid rotation, it must have a density higher than 0.72 g/cm3.[6] Stable Jacobi ellipsoids with an axis ratio of a/b ≥ 1.13±0.03, as implied by its light-curve amplitude of Δm = 0.13±0.03, exist for densities in the range of 2.29−3.00 g/cm3.[6] The Johnston's Archive settles on 2.64 g/cm3,[7] the centre of the latter range; for a 600 km equivalent spheroid body, this would equate to a mass of approximately 3.0×1020 kg. The extremely high estimated density (in contrast to any known similarly sized TNO)[12] would make it virtually certain that this object is a dwarf planet, but confirmation would require additional observation to refine the size and light curve details, preferably with discovery of a satellite to determine its mass.
In visible light, this object is neutral or slightly red in color and has a flat, featureless reflectance spectrum.[8]
Notes
^Buie page actually says 3:2 resonance... thus, also "Plutino"
^very approximate figure, assuming equivalent spherical diameter of ≈600 km and density ≈2.64 g/cc3
^equivalent to V-I=0.75±0.06, B-V=0.68±0.06 and V-R=0.39±0.05
^ abcdefghFarkas-Takács, A.; Kiss, Cs.; Vilenius, E.; Marton, G.; Müller, T. G.; Mommert, M.; et al. (28 February 2020). ""TNOs are Cool": A survey of the trans-Neptunian region". Astronomy & Astrophysics. 638: A23. arXiv:2002.12712. doi:10.1051/0004-6361/201936183. S2CID216193564.