Varuna
CategoryTrans-Neptunian
SystemKuiper Belt
Diameter700 km
Orbital Period283 years
About Varuna
A large classical Kuiper Belt object. Spins quickly, completing a rotation every 6.3 hours, stretching it into an elongated egg shape. Covered in reddish material and water ice. Was once considered a dwarf planet candidate until size estimates came down. Discovered in 2000 by Robert McMillan of the Spacewatch survey. Named after a Vedic deity of sky and waters.
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