Dynamics of comets in the outer planetary region. II. Enhanced planetary masses and orbital evolutionary paths.

Details Dynamics of comets in the outer planetary region. II. Enhanced planetary masses and orbital evolutionary paths. Dynamics of comets in the outer planetary region. II. Enhanced planetary masses and orbital evolutionary paths.

Jul 1997

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997a%26a...323..986v&link_type=abstract

Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.323, p.986-998

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

22

Comets: General, Celestial Mechanics

Scientific paper

We study the effect of increasing the masses of the outer planets to speed up the numerical integration of orbital evolutions of fictitious comets subject to planetary close encounters. We use Oepik's theory to model encounters on crossing orbits, and find that the distribution of energy perturbations, and especially of its tails, is changed significantly depending on the range of initial conditions considered and on the enhancement factor used for the planetary masses. We then analyze nearly tangent, low-velocity encounters making use of a simple argument based on the opening of Hill's surfaces of zero velocity, again finding that the energy perturbation distribution depends on the mass enhancement factor. To check these results we compare the outcomes of integrations done with masses enhanced by the factors 10 and 40 to those of integrations done with the real masses, coming once more to the same conclusion; we put these findings in perspective, discussing the more general issue of the dynamical paths followed by potential short-period comets in the region of the outer planets. Results concerning the orbital evolution of comets obtained by integrations performed with enhanced masses should be considered with caution.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Dynamics of comets in the outer planetary region. II. Enhanced planetary masses and orbital evolutionary paths. does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Dynamics of comets in the outer planetary region. II. Enhanced planetary masses and orbital evolutionary paths., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamics of comets in the outer planetary region. II. Enhanced planetary masses and orbital evolutionary paths. will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1183969