Online Encyclopedia
Plutino
In astronomy, a plutino is a Pluto-like object, insofar as it has the same relative orbit as Pluto. These orbits are stabilized by an orbital resonance with Neptune, similar to Pluto's 3:2 orbital resonance. Plutinos form the inner part of the Kuiper belt. About 1/4 of known Kuiper Belt objects are Plutinos.
Some known plutinos:
Since Pluto fits the 3:2 orbital resonance, it is sometimes convenient to include Pluto itself when referring to that orbital category of objects as "plutinos". However, others argue that because "plutino" means "little Pluto", Pluto itself can't be a "little Pluto".
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See also astronomical objects and the solar system's list of objects, sorted by radius or mass |
Last updated: 11-10-2004 19:41:28