Results from the 2014 November 15th multi-chord stellar occultation by the TNO (229762) 2007 UK${}_{126}$

Abstract

We present results derived from the first multi-chord stellar occultation by the trans-Neptunian object (229762) 2007 UK${}_{126}$, observed on 2014 November 15. The event was observed by the Research and Education Collaborative Occultation Network (RECON) project and International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA) collaborators throughout the United States. Use of two different data analysis methods obtain a satisfactory fit to seven chords, yelding an elliptical fit to the chords with an equatorial radius of $R=338_{-10}^{+15}$ km and equivalent radius of $R_{eq}=319_{-7}^{+14}$ km. A circular fit also gives a radius of $R=324_{-23}^{+30}$ km. Assuming that the object is a Maclaurin spheroid with indeterminate aspect angle, and using two published absolute magnitudes for the body, we derive possible ranges for geometric albedo between $p_V=0.159_{-0.013}^{+0.007}$ and $p_R=0.189_{-0.015}^{+0.009}$, and for the body oblateness between $\epsilon =0.105_{-0.040}^{+0.050}$ and $\epsilon =0.118_{-0.048}^{+0.055}$. For a nominal rotational period of 11.05 h, an upper limit for density of $\rho =1740$ kg~m${}^{-3}$ is estimated for the body.

40 pages, 5 figures, 4 tables. Accepted for publication in the The Astronomical Journal (Aug. 1, 2016)

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