We performed a search for pairs of trans-Neptunian objects in close orbits with semi-major axes of more than 30 AU. Distances in the space of Keplerian orbits were estimated using the Kholshevnikov metrics. Found 21 pairs of trans-Neptunian objects in which one of the components is binary, for Kholshevnikov metrics in five-dimensional space of Keplerian orbits less than 0.121 AU 1/2 . All pairs belong to cold Classical Kuiper belt objects. Based on nominal orbits, the dynamic evolution of pairs of trans-Neptunian objects in the past 10 Myr has been studied numerically. We searched for low relativevelocity close encounters between trans-Neptunian objects in pairs as well as the minima of the Kholshevnikov metrics and the convergence of the lines of nodes and apses, to estimate the age of the pairs.
A search for pairs of dynamically correlated trans-Neptunian objects with semi-major axes of more than 30 au was performed. The Kholshevnikov metrics in the space of Keplerian orbits are used. Found 27 pairs with metrics less than 0.07 au1/2, 22 pairs in which one of the components is binary, for metrics less than 0.12 au1/2, and 11 pairs of binary trans-Neptunian objects with metrics less than 0.3 au1/2. It is concluded that the pair 2004 VA131 — 2004 VU131 may be the youngest pair of trans-Neptunian objects known today.
We have studied the probabilistic evolution of four candidates for young pairs of trans-Neptunian objects: 2003 QL91 – 2015 VA173, 1999 HV11 – 2015 VF172, 2002 CY154 – 2005 EW318 and 2013 SD101 – 2015 VY170 over 10 Myr in the past. All pairs belong to cold Classical Kuiper Belt objects. We concluded that the age of the considered pairs exceeds 10 Myr.
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