The Small Numbers of Large Kuiper Belt Objects
نویسندگان
چکیده
We explore the brightness distribution of the largest and brightest (m(R)<22) Kuiper belt objects (KBOs). We construct a luminosity function of the dynamically excited or hot Kuiper belt (orbits with inclinations > 5) from the very brightest to m(R)=23. We find for m(R). 23, a single slope appears to describe the luminosity function. We estimate ∼12 KBOs brighter than m(R)∼19.5 are present in the Kuiper belt today. With 9 bodies already discovered this suggests that the inventory of bright KBOs is nearly complete. Subject headings: Kuiper belt: general
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