The resulting estimate of 0.51+0.29 −0.14 g/cm3[6]
is similar to the density of the binary plutino 47171 Lempo (0.3–0.8 g/cm3[7]) and Saturn's moon Hyperion (0.567±0.102 g/cm3[8])
Such a low density is indicative of a highly porous composition dominated by ice.[6]
1998 SM165 is fairly red, with a color comparable to 79360 Sila–Nunam.
Satellite
On 22 December 2001, a minor-planet moon, provisionally designated S/2001 (26308) 1, was discovered by American astronomer Michael Brown and Chad Trujillo using the Hubble Space Telescope.[5] The discovery was announced in January 2002. The satellite measures approximately 96 ± 12 km (59.7 ± 7.5 mi) in diameter and orbits its primary at a distance of 11,310 ± 110 km (7,028 ± 68 mi). Assuming a circular orbit, this takes 130.1±1 days to complete one orbit.[5]
^ abcdefgSpencer, J.; Stansberry, J.; Grundy, W.; Noll, K. (September 2006). "A Low Density for Binary Kuiper Belt Object (26308) 1998 SM165". Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society. 38. American Astronomical Society: 546. Bibcode:2006DPS....38.3401S.
^Stansberry, J.; Grundy, W.; Margot, J-L.; Cruikshank, D.; Emery, J.; Rieke, G.; Trilling, D. (May 2006). "The Albedo, Size, and Density of Binary Kuiper Belt Object (47171) 1999 TC36". The Astrophysical Journal. 643 (1): 556–566. arXiv:astro-ph/0602316. Bibcode:2006ApJ...643..556S. doi:10.1086/502674. S2CID18146599.