Resonant Trans-Neptunian Object - Coincidental Versus True Resonances

Coincidental Versus True Resonances

One of the concerns is that weak resonances may exist and would be difficult to prove due to the current lack of accuracy in the orbits of these distant objects. Many objects have orbital periods of more than 300 years and most have only been observed over a short observation arc of a couple years. Due to their great distance and slow movement against background stars, it may be decades before many of these distant orbits are determined well enough to confidently confirm whether a resonance is true or merely coincidental. A true resonance will smoothly oscillate while a coincidental near resonance will circulate. (See Toward a formal definition)

Simulations by Emel’yanenko and Kiseleva in 2007 show that (131696) 2001 XT₂₅₄ is librating in a 7:3 resonance with Neptune. This libration can be stable for less than 100 million to billions of years.

Emel’yanenko and Kiseleva also show that (48639) 1995 TL₈ appears to have less than a 1% probability of being in a 7:3 resonance with Neptune, but it does execute circulations near this resonance.