A classical Kuiper belt object, also called a cubewano ( /ˌkjuːbiːˈwʌnoʊ/ "QB1-o") is a low-eccentricity Kuiper belt object (KBO) that orbits beyond Neptune and is not controlled by an orbital resonance with Neptune. Cubewanos have orbits with semi-major axes in the 40–50 AU range and, unlike Pluto, do not cross Neptune’s orbit. That is, they have low-eccentricity and sometimes low-inclination orbits like the classical planets.
The name "cubewano" derives from the first trans-Neptunian object (TNO) found after Pluto and Charon, (15760) 1992 QB1. Similar objects found later were often called "QB1-o's", or "cubewanos", after this object, though the term "classical" is much more frequently used in the scientific literature.
Objects identified as cubewanos include:
- (15760) 1992 QB1
- Makemake, the largest known cubewano and a dwarf planet
- (50000) Quaoar and (20000) Varuna, each considered the largest TNO at the time of discovery
- 19521 Chaos, 58534 Logos, 53311 Deucalion, 66652 Borasisi, 88611 Teharonhiawako
- (33001) 1997 CU29, (55636) 2002 TX300, (55565) 2002 AW197, (55637) 2002 UX25
Haumea (2003 EL61) was provisionally listed as a cubewano by the Minor Planet Center in 2006, but turned out to be resonant.
Read more about Classical Kuiper Belt Object: Orbits: 'hot' and 'cold' Populations, Cold and Hot Populations: Physical Characteristics, Toward A Formal Definition, Families
Famous quotes containing the words classical, belt and/or object:
“Several classical sayings that one likes to repeat had quite a different meaning from the ones later times attributed to them.”
—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749–1832)
“The watchers in their leopard suits
Waited till it was time,
And aimed between the belt and boot
And let the barrel climb.”
—Louis Simpson (b. 1923)
“Parenthood is not an object of appetite or even desire. It is an object of will. There is no appetite for parenthood; there is only a purpose or intention of parenthood.”
—R.G. (Robin George)