Discovery of Two TNO-like Bodies in the Asteroid Belt

Two extremely red main-belt asteroids: 203 Pompeja and 269 Justitia, were identified from combined visible near-infrared spectroscopic observations collected at the IRTF SAO observatories. These two asteroids have a redder spectral slope than any other D-type body, which are reddest objects in asteroid belt, similar to RR IR-class found outer Solar System among trans-Neptunian Centaurs. Spectroscopic results suggest presence of complex organic materials on surface layer these asteroids, implying that they could formed vicinity Neptune been transplanted main belt region during phase planetary migration. Pompeia is only very known so far ~250 bodies with diameter larger 110 km (i.e. presumably structurally intact) belt. discoveries add another piece evidence hosts population outskirt System.