TNOs are Cool: A survey of the trans-Neptunian region VIII. Combined Herschel PACS and SPIRE observations of nine bright targets at 70–500 μ m

• Published in: Astronomy and astrophysics (Berlin) Vol. 555; pp. 1 - 22
• Main Authors: nasier, S, Lellouch, E, Muller, T, Santos-Sanz, P, Panuzzo, P, Kiss, C, Lim, T, Mommert, M, Bockelee-Morvan, D, Vilenius, E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 01.07.2013
• Subjects: Albedo; Astrophysics; Data reduction; Photometers; Physics; Solar system; Spectral energy distribution; Spires; Thermal properties; Trans-Neptunian objects; methods: observational; techniques: photometric; infrared: planetary systems; Kuiper belt: general
• ISSN: 0004-6361; 1432-0746; 1432-0756
• DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361/201321329

Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) are bodies populating the Kuiper belt and they are believed to retain the most pristine and least altered material of the solar system. The Herschel open time key programme entitled "TNOs are Cool: A survey of the trans-Neptunian region" has been awarded 373 h to investigate the albedo, size distribution and thermal properties of TNOs and Centaurs. Here we focus on the brightest targets observed by both the PACS and SPIRE multiband photometers: the dwarf planet Haumea, six TNOs (Huya, Orcus, Quaoar, Salacia, 2002 UX25, and 2002 TC302), and two Centaurs (Chiron and Chariklo). Flux densities are derived from PACS and SPIRE instruments using optimised data reduction methods. The spectral energy distribution obtained with the Herschel PACS and SPIRE instruments over 6 bands , with Spitzer-MIPS at 23.7 and 71.4 mu m, and with WISE at 11.6 and 22.1 mu m in the case of 10199 Chariklo, has been modelled with the NEATM thermal model in order to derive the albedo, diameter, and beaming factor.