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R. C. Nazzario

Publications and source records attributed to R. C. Nazzario.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2005

Kuiper Binary Object Formation

It has been observed that binary Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) exist contrary to theoretical expectations. Their creation presents problems to most current models. However, the inclusion of a third body (for example, one of the outer planets) may provide the conditions necessary for the formation of these objects. The presence of a third massive body not only helps to clear the primordial Kuiper Belt but can also result in long lived binary Kuiper belt objects. The gravitational interaction between the KBOs and the third body causes one of four effects; scattering into the Oort cloud, collisions with the growing protoplanets, formation of binary pairs, or creation of a single Kuiper belt object. Additionally, the initial location of the progenitors of the Kuiper belt objects also has a significant effect on binary formation.

astro-ph↗
arXiv2005

Numerical Investigations of Kuiper Belt Binaries

Observations of the Kuiper Belt indicate that a larger than expected percentage of KBO's (approximately 8 out of 500) are in binary pairs. The formation and survival of such objects presents a conundrum [1]. Two competing theories have been postulated to try to solve this problem. One entails the physical collision of bodies [2] while the other utilizes dynamical friction or a third body to dissipate excess momentum and energy from the system [3]. Although in general known binaries tend to differ significantly in mass, such as seen in the Earth-Moon or asteroid binary systems [4], Kuiper binaries discovered to date tend to instead be of similar size [5, 6]. This paper investigates the stability, development and lifetimes for Kuiper Belt binaries by tracking their orbital dynamics and subsequent evolution. Section two details the numerical model while Section three discusses the initial conditions. Finally, in Section four the results are discussed with Section five containing the conclusions.

physics.space-ph↗