Ixion
CategoryTrans-Neptunian
SystemKuiper Belt
Diameter650 km
Orbital Period250 years
About Ixion
A plutino locked in a 2:3 orbital resonance with Neptune, similar to Pluto. Discovered in 2001 by the Deep Ecliptic Survey. Roughly 650 km across, making it one of the larger plutinos. Has a moderately red surface with signs of water ice. Named after a figure from Greek mythology who fathered the centaurs. Its dark surface suggests eons of cosmic ray irradiation.
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