Physical Characteristics
The visible and near-infrared spectrum of Chiron is neutral, and is similar to that of C-type asteroids and the nucleus of Halley's Comet.
| Year | Radius (km) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | 90 | Lebofsky |
| 1991 | <186 | IRAS |
| 1994 | 74 | Campins |
| 1996 | 90 | occultation |
| 2007 | 117 | Spitzer Space Telescope |
The assumed size of an object depends on its absolute magnitude (H) and the albedo (the amount of light it reflects). In 1984 Lebofsky estimated Chiron to be about 180 km in diameter. Estimates in the 1990s were closer to 150 km in diameter. Occultation data from 1993 suggests a diameter of about 180 km. The data from the Spitzer Space Telescope in 2007 suggests that Chiron is closer to 233 ± 14 km in diameter. Therefore Chiron may be as large as 10199 Chariklo.
Its rotational period is 5.917813 hours, a value determined by observing its distinct light curve.
Read more about this topic: 2060 Chiron
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