Varuna is a large trans-Neptunian object (TNO) located in the Kuiper Belt. It was discovered in 2000 by Robert S. McMillan during a Spacewatch survey at the Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Here are some key facts about Varuna:
Size: It's estimated to be about 900 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest TNOs.
Orbit: Varuna has a nearly circular orbit, placing it in the classical Kuiper Belt.
Rotation: Varuna rotates very quickly, with a period of about 6.3 hours. This rapid rotation causes it to have a significantly elongated shape.
Surface: Varuna's surface is relatively dark, suggesting that it's covered in dark organic compounds.
Varuna's rapid rotation and elongated shape make it a unique object in the Kuiper Belt. It's also one of the brightest TNOs, making it a good target for further study.