Resonant Trans-Neptunian Object - Distribution

Distribution

The diagram illustrates the distribution of the known trans-Neptunian objects (up to 70 AU) in relation to the orbits of the planets together with centaurs for reference. Resonant objects are plotted in red. Orbital resonances with Neptune are marked with vertical bars; 1:1 marks the position of Neptune’s orbit (and its trojans), 2:3 marks the orbit of Pluto and plutinos, and 1:2, 2:5 etc. mark a number of smaller families.

The designation 2:3 or 3:2 refer both to the same resonance for TNOs. There’s no confusion possible as TNOs, by definition, have periods longer than Neptune. The usage depends on the author and the field of research. The statement "Pluto is in 2:3 resonance to Neptune" appears better to capture the meaning: Pluto completes 2 orbits for every 3 orbits of Neptune.

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