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Varuna (minor planet 20000)


Varuna, Charon, and Pluto size comparison
Varuna, Pluto's moon Charon, and Pluto compared in size
A large Kuiper Belt object. It was discovered by R. Macmillan of the Spacewatch project on Nov. 28, 2000, and provisionally designated 2000 WR106 before being permanently named after the Hindu god Varuna. It moves in a near-circular orbit with a semi-major axis of about 43 AU, similar to that of 50000 Quaoar but more inclined.

See also largest known Kuiper Belt objects.


diameter 936 km
density ~1.0 g/cm3
albedo 0.04
absolute magnitude 3.7
surface temp. ~43 K
eccentricity 0.051
semimajor axis 43.13 AU
perihelion 40.92 AU
aphelion 45.34 AU
orbital period 283.20 years
inclination 17.2°


Related category

   • NOTABLE ASTEROIDS, CENTAURS, AND KUIPER BELT OBJECTS


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