On the origin of Triton and Pluto

Details On the origin of Triton and Pluto On the origin of Triton and Pluto

Apr 1985

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1985pggp.rept...64m&link_type=abstract

In NASA, Washington Repts. of Planetary Geol. and Geophys. Program, 1984 p 64-66 (SEE N85-23474 13-91)

Physics

Orbit Calculation, Planetary Evolution, Pluto (Planet), Solar System, Triton, Mass Ratios, Orbital Mechanics, Planetary Orbits, Solar Orbits, Trajectories

Scientific paper

Lyttleton's (1936) hypothesis that Triton and Pluto originated as adjacent prograde satellites of Neptune is evaluated, and it is shown that with the presently accepted masses of Triton and Pluto-Charon, the momentum and energy exchange required to sell Triton on a retrograde orbit is impossible. The Pluto-Charon system could not have acquired its present angular momentum state during an ejection event unless a physical collision was involved, which is quite unlikely. The simplest hypothesis is that Triton and Pluto are independent representatives of large outer solar system planetesimals. Triton is simply captured, with spectacular consequences that include runaway melting of interior ices and release to the surface of clathrated CH4, CO, and N2. Condensed remnants of this protoatmosphere could account for features in Triton's unique spectrum.

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