(84922) 2003 VS2

Elongated plutino April 2020 yes (84922) 2003 VS 2 tno 84922-2003vs2 hst.jpg 2003 VS 2 photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2005 14 November 2003 NEAT Palomar Observatory (84922) 2003 VS 2 3A86VCM TNOplutinodistant barycentric 21 November 2025 (JD 2461000.5) 0 34+ yr 17 September 1991 yes 42.414 AU 36.432 AU 8 March 2005 ± 0.11 days 39.423 AU 0.07587 247.36 yr (90,349 d) 31.436° 0.0039845 ms / day 14.790° 302.723° 112.563° 0 678 10 ( ) × 470 12 ( ) × 452 16 ( ) km 524 7 km (volume equiv.) 1.4 1.0 0.3 g/cm3 7.4175285 0.00001 h 228 ° +39 ° 0.134 0.010 (moderately red) B−V 0.93 0.02 V−R 0.59 0.02 19.8 4.14 0.07 (rotational avg.) 40 K (84922) 2003 VS 2 is an unnamed trans-Neptunian object (TNO) in the Kuiper belt. It is a member of the plutinos, a population of TNOs in a 2:3 orbital resonance with Neptune, like Pluto. It was discovered by the Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking program at Palomar Observatory on 14 November 2003. It is an elongated object with a diameter measuring 678 km mi across its longest axis to 452 km mi across its shortest. Discovery 2003 VS 2 was discovered by the NASA-funded Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) project on 14 November 2003, during routine observations of the sky at Palomar Observatory in California, United States. The discovery observations were made using the observatory's 48 in m on Samuel Oschin telescope, which was equipped with a charge-coupled device camera. Astronomers of the project flagged 2003 VS 2 as an "interesting object" because it moved much slower than near-Earth objects that NEAT was tasked to find. The object was listed on the Minor Planet Center's (MPC's) Near-Earth Object Confirmation Page, which prompted follow-up observations from other observatories. Within two days after the discovery of 2003 VS 2, astronomers began finding precoveries of the object in older NEAT images. Precoveries were first found by Maik Meyer in images from late 2002, and then by Sebastian Hönig in images from 1998, 2001, and 2002. These extra observations allowed astronomers to determine the orbit of 2003 VS 2. The discovery and confirmation of 2003 VS 2 was announced by the MPC on 16 November 2003. Subsequent reports of the discovery, including those from the NEAT project, recognized 2003 VS 2 as one of the largest trans-Neptunian objects found. On the day after the MPC's announcement of 2003 VS 2, astronomer Reiner Stoss reported more precoveries from Palomar Observatory's Digitized Sky Survey, whose images were taken even earlier in 1991 and 1993. The earliest of these precoveries was taken on 17 September 1991. These precoveries were independently found by Andrew Lowe and Rob Matson around the same time as Stoss. Name This object is currently known by its minor planet provisional designation 2003 VS 2, which was given by the MPC upon its discovery. The provisional designation encodes the object's time and order of discovery. The MPC gave it the minor planet number (84922) on 4 May 2004. When it was discovered, the object was initially codenamed "3A86VCM" by the NEAT project.codename The NEAT project's six-character alphanumeric codename encodes the object's time of observation and number. May 2026, it has not been named. According to naming guidelines by the International Astronomical Union's Working Group for Small Bodies Nomenclature, trans-Neptunian objects classified as plutinos should be given mythological names related to the underworld.8 Orbit 2003 VS 2 orbits the Sun with a semi-major axis of 39.4 astronomical units (AU),barycentric These orbital elements are expressed in terms of the Solar System Barycenter (SSB) as the frame of reference. Due to planetary perturbations, the Sun revolves around the SSB at non-negligible distances, so heliocentric-frame orbital elements and distances (such as those given in JPL's Small-Body Database) can vary on short timescales. putting it in the Kuiper belt beyond Neptune's orbit. 2003 VS 2 takes 247 years to complete one orbit, which places it in a 2:3 mean-motion resonance with Neptune. For every two revolutions it makes around the Sun, Neptune makes exactly three. It is therefore a member of the plutinos, a large population of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) named after its largest member Pluto. 2003 VS 2 has a nearly circular orbit with a low eccentricity of 0.08. Its orbit is inclined by 14.8° with respect to the ecliptic. Throughout its orbit, the object's distance from the Sun ranges from 36.4 AU at perihelion to 42.4 AU at aphelion.barycentric 2003 VS 2 had passed perihelion on 8 March 2005. Due to gravitational perturbations by the giant planets, the orbital elements of 2003 VS 2 vary over time.2–3 Simulations of 2003 VS 2's orbit show that in 10 million years, its semi-major axis can fluctuate between 39.1 – 39.8 AU, eccentricity between 0.05–0.11, and inclination between 15.4–16.8°. Despite this variability, the orbit of 2003 VS 2 remains stable for billions of years.10 Physical characteristics Size and shape In 2007, its diameter was initially estimated by the Spitzer Space Telescope at 725 200 km. However, in 2012, this was reduced to 523.0 +35.1 -34.4 km after new Herschel Space Telescope observations. In 2019, 2003 VS 2 was found to be ellipsoidal in shape based on stellar occultations that occurred in 2013 and 2014; the light curve derived from the occultations suggests that this plutino is not in hydrostatic equilibrium and hence not a dwarf planet. The dimensions of 2003 VS 2 are estimated at 627.6 x 531 x 494.6 km, with a volume-equivalent diameter of 548.3 29.5 44.6 km. Further observations of occultations refined the estimate to 678 10 ( ) × 470 12 ( ) × 452 16 ( ) km, with a mean diameter of 524 7 km. 2003 VS 2 has no known satellite that can be used to directly determine its mass, but assuming a density of 1 g/cm3, typical of mid size TNOs, gives a mass estimate of about 6.519 kg. it has an estimated density of 1.4 1.0 0.3 g/cm3, if assuming that it is a Maclaurin Spheroid. Surface thumb|2003 VS 2 (apparent magnitude 19.8) photographed with a 24-inch telescope. Surrounding stars are labeled with their apparent magnitude values for comparison. June 2026 2003 VS 2 has a moderately red surface with a moderately red color indices B−V=0.93, V−R=0.59. Its geometrical albedo is about 0.13. Rotation June 2026 2003 VS 2 rotates with a period of approximately 7.42 hours, measured to an accuracy of 0.04 seconds. It has a high light curve amplitude of 0.21 0.01, indicative of an elongated, non-spherical shape. See also 90377 Sedna – a dwarf planet discovered on the same day as 2003 VS 2 (14 November 2003) 208996 Achlys – a large plutino and possible dwarf planet with an elongated ellipsoid shape (84522) 2002 TC 302 – a similarly-sized trans-Neptunian object whose shape has been characterized by stellar occultations (119951) 2002 KX 14 – another similarly-sized trans-Neptunian object whose shape has been characterized by stellar occultations (612533) 2002 XV 93 – a similarly-sized plutino discovered to have an atmosphere in stellar occultation observations Notes References 30em 2025-12-28 last obs. JPL Small-Body Database Lookup: 84922 (2003 VS2) https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=2084922 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2026-05-02 (84922) = 2003 VS2 https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/db_search/show_object?object_id=84922 Minor Planet Center 2026-06-02 JPL Horizons On-Line Ephemeris for 84922 (2003 VS2) at epoch JD 2461000.5 https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons_batch.cgi?batch=1&COMMAND='84922'&TABLE_TYPE='ELEMENTS'&START_TIME='JD2461000.5'&STOP_TIME='JD2461001.5'&STEP_SIZE='1y'&CENTER='@0'&OUT_UNITS='AU-D' JPL Horizons On-Line Ephemeris System Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2026-06-02 Solution using the Solar System Barycenter. Ephemeris Type: Elements and Center: @0) JPL Horizons On-Line Ephemeris for 84922 (2003 VS2) at epochs JD 2460800.5–2461000.5 https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/horizons_batch.cgi?batch=1&COMMAND='84922'&TABLE_TYPE='ELEMENTS'&START_TIME='JD2460800.5'&STOP_TIME='JD2461000.5'&STEP_SIZE='200d'&CENTER='500@10'&OUT_UNITS='AU-D' JPL Horizons On-Line Ephemeris System Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2026-06-02 Solution using the Sun. Ephemeris Type: Elements and Center: @sun) JPL Horizons On-Line Ephemeris for 84922 (2003 VS2) rom 2005-Mar-01 to 2005-Mar-15 https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/api/horizons.api?format=text&COMMAND=%2784922%27&OBJ_DATA=%27YES%27&MAKE_EPHEM=%27YES%27&EPHEM_TYPE=%27OBSERVER%27&CENTER=%27@Sun%27&START_TIME=%272005-03-01%27&STOP_TIME=%272005-03-15%27&STEP_SIZE=%276h%27&QUANTITIES=%2718,19%27 JPL Horizons On-Line Ephemeris System Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2026-06-02 (Perihelion occurs when radial velocity or "rdot" changes from negative to positive.) Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/ Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2026-06-14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20031203191540/http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/ 2003-12-03 General Information: Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking (NEAT) http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/neatintr.htm Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2026-06-14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20161228094436/http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/neatintr.htm 2016-12-28 NEAT Object Naming System http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/neatname.html Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2026-06-15 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20030206192921/http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/neatname.html 2003-02-06 S. Pravdo NEAT November 2003 Interesting Objects http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/2003nov.htm Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2003-11-24 2026-06-14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20161118105933/http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/2003nov.htm 2016-11-18 3A86VCM image http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/3a86vcm.gif Near-Earth Asteroid Tracking Jet Propulsion Laboratory November 2003 2026-06-14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090117120150/http://neat.jpl.nasa.gov/3a86vcm.gif 2009-01-17 Brian G. Marsden MPEC 2003-W02 : 2003 VS2 https://minorplanetcenter.net/mpec/K03/K03W02.html Minor Planet Electronic Circular Minor Planet Center 2002-V26 2003-11-16 2010-01-06 David Whitehouse Huge rock-ice body circles Sun http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3277033.stm BBC 2003-11-17 2026-06-14 live https://web.archive.org/web/20031204215656/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3277033.stm 2003-12-04 Big Plutino found – '03 Major News about Minor Objects http://hohmanntransfer.com/mn/0311/16.htm#03vs2 HohmannTransfer.com 2003-11-16 2026-06-14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050218045349/http://hohmanntransfer.com/mn/0311/16.htm#03vs2 2005-02-18 New 2003 VS2 precovery – '03 Major News about Minor Objects http://www.hohmanntransfer.com/mn/0311/18.htm HohmannTransfer.com 2003-11-18 2026-06-14 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050908002610/http://www.hohmanntransfer.com/mn/0311/18.htm 2005-09-08 Marc W. Buie Marc W. Buie 2008-02-05 Orbit Fit and Astrometric record for 84922 SwRI (Space Science Department) http://www.boulder.swri.edu/~buie/kbo/astrom/84922.html 2008-07-23 2004-05-04 M.P.C. 51880 https://www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/ECS/MPCArchive/2004/MPC_20040504.pdf#page=416 Minor Planet Circulars Minor Planet Center 51880 416 2026-06-02 Rules and Guidelines for Naming Non-Cometary Small Solar-System Bodies https://www.wgsbn-iau.org/documentation/NamesAndCitations.pdf IAU Working Group for Small Bodies Nomenclature 2025-02-22 2026-06-02 10.1051/0004-6361/202141842 free The multichord stellar occultation on 2019 October 22 by the trans-Neptunian object (84922) 2003 VS 2 2022 Vara-Lubiano M. Benedetti-Rossi G. Santos-Sanz P. Ortiz J. L. Sicardy B. Popescu M. Astronomy & Astrophysics 663 A121 2205.12878 2022A&A...663A.121V 249009658 etal AstDys (84922) 2003VS2 Ephemerides https://newton.spacedys.com/astdys/index.php?pc=1.1.3.0&n=84922 Asteroids - Dynamic Site Department of Mathematics, University of Pisa, Italy 2026-06-02 Plutinos https://astronomy.swin.edu.au/cosmos/p/Plutinos COSMOS - The SAO Encyclopedia of Astronomy Swinburne University of Technology 2025-06-02 "TNOs are Cool": A survey of the trans-Neptunian region XII. Thermal light curves of Haumea, 2003 VS 2 and 2003 AZ 84 with Herschel/PACS P. Santos-Sanz E. Lellouch O. Groussin P. Lacerda T.G. Muller J.L. Ortiz C. Kiss E. Vilenius J. Stansberry R. Duffard S. Fornasier L. Jorda A. Thirouin 604 A95 19 Astronomy & Astrophysics 10.1051/0004-6361/201630354 free 1705.09117 2017A&A...604A..95S August 2017 53621071 http://www.physics.nau.edu/~tegler/research/survey.htm Kuiper Belt Object Magnitudes and Surface Colors 2009-12-30 Tegler Stephen C. 2007-02-01 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060901063349/http://www.physics.nau.edu/~tegler/research/survey.htm 2006-09-01 The Solar System Beyond Neptune Physical Properties of Kuiper Belt and Centaur Objects: Constraints from Spitzer Space Telescope John Stansberry Will Grundy Mike Brown Dale Cruikshank John Spencer David Trilling Jean-Luc Margot University of Arizona press http://www.lpi.usra.edu/books/ssbn2008/7017.pdf astro-ph/0702538 M. Antonietta Barucci Hermann Boehnhardt Dale P. Cruikshank 2008 978-0-8165-2755-7 161–179 2008ssbn.book..161S Mommert Michael Harris A. W. Kiss C. Pál A. Santos-Sanz P. Stansberry J. Delsanti A. Vilenius E. Müller T. G. N. Peixinho E. Lellouch N. Szalai F. Henry R. Duffard S. Fornasier P. Hartogh M. Mueller J. L. Ortiz S. Protopapa M. Rengel A. Thirouin TNOs are cool: A survey of the trans-Neptunian region—V. Physical characterization of 18 Plutinos using Herschel-PACS observations 10.1051/0004-6361/201118562 free Astronomy & Astrophysics 541 A93 May 2012 2012A&A...541A..93M 1202.3657 119253817 The trans-Neptunian object (84922) 2003 VS 2 through stellar occultations Gustavo Benedetti-Rossi P. Santos-Sanz J. L. Ortiz M. Assafin B. Sicardy N. Morales The Astronomical Journal 158 4 10.3847/1538-3881/ab3b05 1908.06645 2019 201070151 free 2019EPSC...13..435B Three Stellar Occultations by the Plutino Object (84922) 2003 VS2 Benedetti-Rossi Gustavo Santos-Sanz Pablo Ortiz Jose Luis Assafin Marcelo Sicardy Bruno Vieira-Martins Roberto Braga-Ribas Felipe Epsc-DPS Joint Meeting 2019 2019 2019 EPSC-DPS2019-435 Grundy W.M. Noll K.S. Buie M.W. Benecchi S.D. Ragozzine D. Roe H.G. 2019 The mutual orbit, mass, and density of transneptunian binary Gǃkúnǁ'hòmdímà (229762 2007 UK126) Icarus en 334 30–38 10.1016/j.icarus.2018.12.037 2019Icar..334...30G 126574999 Marco A. Muñoz-Gutiérrez Sebastián Ramírez-Vargas Antonio Peimbert Angeles Pérez-Villegas Petrovich Petrovich The Effect of Massive Trans-Neptunian Objects in the Long-term Evolution and Leakage Rates of Neptune's 3:2 and 2:1 Mean Motion Resonances The Astronomical Journal March 2026 171 3 177 free 10.3847/1538-3881/ae3e51 2503.03900 2026AJ....171..177M External links Huge rock-ice body circles Sun (Palomar Photo) 2003 VS2 precovery https://web.archive.org/web/20201003155250/http://www.hohmanntransfer.com/mn/0311/18.htm 3 October 2020 (18 Nov. '03 Major News about Minor Objects) 84922 84921 Morkoláb 84922 (84922) 2003 VS 2 Category:Plutinos Category:Discoveries by NEAT Category:Objects observed by stellar occultation Category:Former dwarf planet candidates 20031114