Spectral characteristics and modeling of the trans-neptunian object (55565) 2002 AW197 and the Centaurs (55576) 2002 GB10 and (83982) 2002 GO9:: ESO Large Program on TNOs and Centaurs

We present in this paper first results on broadband photometry (JHK filters) and low-dispersion infrared spectroscopy performed at ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT) for the trans-neptunian object (55565) 2002 AW(197) and Centaurs (55576) 2002 GB(10) and (83982) 2002 GO(9). These observations were obtained in the framework of ESO's Large Program on 'Physical Studies of TNOs and Centaurs'. All the spectra are characterized by a strong red visible-near infrared slope. There is no clear detection of water ice, except for the Centaur (83982) 2002 GO(9). Analysis of these visible-near infrared reflectance spectra with radiative transfer models are compatible with a surface composed of intimate mixtures of organics compounds (Triton tholins, amorphous carbon) and contaminated water ice, although other possibilities exist. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.