Salacia

Overview: Salacia is a moderately large, icy Kuiper Belt Object in a near-circular orbit. It’s known for being dense and having a large moon, making it a significant dwarf planet candidate.

Discovery: Salacia was discovered on September 22, 2004, by Michael Brown and collaborators at Palomar Observatory.

Orbit: Salacia orbits the Sun at a distance of ~43.8 AU, with an orbital period of ~289 years. Its orbit is moderately inclined (~23.9°) and nearly circular, typical of a classical Kuiper Belt Object.

Size and Composition: Salacia has a diameter of approximately 850 km. Observations indicate a dark, neutral-colored surface with water ice likely present. Its density (~1.5 g/cm³) suggests a mix of ice and rock.

Satellite: Salacia’s moon, Actaea, was discovered in 2006. Observations of Actaea’s orbit have allowed precise mass measurements for Salacia.

Interesting Notes: Salacia’s size, density, and moon make it a strong candidate for a dwarf planet. Its relatively stable orbit in the classical Kuiper Belt means it may retain primordial characteristics of the early solar system.