Varuna

== Definition ==
(20000) Varuna is a large transneptunian object whose orbit is confined to the Kuiper Belt. Because of its size it is considered as a candidate for the rank of dwarf planet. After it was discovered on 28 November 2000 by Robert McMillan, it was given the provisorial designation 2000 WR₁₀₆. Subsequently it was named after Varuna, the Hindu deity presiding over the waters in the heavens and in the oceans.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20000_Varuna 
 
== Classification ==
Due to the following properties, it is classified as a cubewano, or classical Kuiper Belt object:
* semi-major axis in the 40–50 AU range 
* low eccentricity
* no orbital resonance with Neptunehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classical_Kuiper_belt_object
It was given the minor planet designation 20000 because it was the largest cubewano discovered so far. 
== Similarities to other TNOs ==
Varuna's orbital period is similar to Quaoar's at 283 years and its rotational period of only 6.34 hours gives it a similar shape to Haumea - namely that of a triaxial ellipsoid.
== Sources ==
== Images ==
Varuna-000.jpg
Varuna-001.jpg
Varuna-002.jpg
Varuna-003.jpg
Varuna-004.jpg
Varuna-005.jpg
Varuna-006.jpg
Varuna-007.jpg
Varuna-008.jpg
Varuna-009.jpg
Varuna-010.jpg
Varuna-011.jpg
Category:Ice_worlds
Category:Objects
Category:Real_objects
Category:Transneptunian objects
Category:Solar System