Optical and Infrared Reflectance Spectrum of Kuiper Belt Object 1996 TL[TINF]66[/TINF]

Abstract

We have obtained optical (0.4-0.8 μm) and near-infrared (1.0-2.5 μm) reflectance spectra of the Kuiper Belt object 1996 TL₆₆. The spectra show no evidence for absorption features and are neutral across the full wavelength range. The spectrum of TL₆₆ is thus similar to that of the Centaur Chiron but different from that of the Centaur Pholus. It also bears no resemblance to the spectrum of the Kuiper Belt object 1993 SC reported by Brown et al. (1997).