(15874) 1996 TL66

(15874) 1996 TL₆₆, also written 1996 TL66 is a trans-Neptunian object in the scattered disk. It was discovered in 8 October 1996 by a team led by Mauna Kea. It was the first object to be identified as a scattered-disc object.

Orbit and classification

(15874) 1996 TL₆₆ orbits the Sun at a distance of 35-135 AU once every 785 years (286,095 days, semi-major axis of 84.9 AU). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.587 and an inclination of 24.9° with respect to the ecliptic. Its observation arc begins with its discovery date at the Mauna Kea Observatories in 1996.

(15874) 1996 TL₆₆ belongs to the scattered disk population. These objects have been gravitationally influenced by Neptune, with high eccentricities. It was the first object to be identified as a scattered-disc object, though (48639) 1995 TL8, was discovered 1 year.

Numbering and naming

The minor planet was named by the Minor Planet Center in 2000. As of 2018, it has been not named.

Physical characteristics

1996 TL₆₆ has a BB spectral type color.

1996 TL₆₆ had diameters of 575 km and 339 km respectively. Light-curve implies that it is an spheroid. It is a possible dwarf planet by Gonzalo Tancredi.

1996 TL₆₆ has a 12 hour rotation period.

See also

• List of possible dwarf planets