Infrared spectroscopy of the largest known trans-neptunian object 2001   KX76
  We report complete near-infrared (0.9-2.4 $\mu$m) spectral observations of the largest know trans-neptunian objects (TNO) 28976 = 2001 KX$_{76}$ taken in two different nights using the new Near Infrared Camera Spectrometer (NICS) attached to the 3.56m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG). The spectra are featureless and correspond to a neutral colored object. Our observations indicate that the surface of 2001 KX$_{76}$ is probably highly evolved due to long term irradiation, and that collisional resurfacing processes have not played an important role in its evolution. 
J. Licandro (1), F. Ghinassi (1), and L. Testi (2) ((1)Centro Galileo   Galilei & Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, Spain (2) IN...