Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2001-04-05
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
To be published in the Astronomical Journal, July 2001
Scientific paper
10.1086/321117
We present the results of a wide-field survey designed to measure the size, inclination, and radial distributions of Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs). The survey found 86 KBOs in 73 square degrees observed to limiting red magnitude 23.7 using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and the 12k x 8k CCD Mosaic camera. For the first time, both ecliptic and off-ecliptic fields were examined to more accurately constrain the inclination distribution of the KBOs. The survey data were processed using an automatic moving object detection algorithm, allowing a careful characterization of the biases involved. In this work, we quantify fundamental parameters of the Classical KBOs (CKBOs), the most numerous objects found in our sample, using the new data and a maximum likelihood simulation. Deriving results from our best-fit model, we find that the size distribution follows a differential power law with exponent q = 4.0 (+0.6)(-0.5) (1 sigma, or 68.27% confidence). In addition, the CKBOs inhabit a very thick disk consistent with a Gaussian distribution of inclinations with a Half-Width of i(1/2) = 20 (+6)(-4) deg (1 sigma). We estimate that there are N = 3.8 (+2.0)(-1.5) x 10^4 (1 sigma) CKBOs larger than 100 km in diameter. We also find compelling evidence for an outer edge to the CKBOs at heliocentric distance R = 50 AU.
Jewitt David C.
Luu Jane X.
Trujillo Chadwick A.
No associations
LandOfFree
Properties of the Trans-Neptunian Belt: Statistics From the CFHT Survey 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 Properties of the Trans-Neptunian Belt: Statistics From the CFHT Survey, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Properties of the Trans-Neptunian Belt: Statistics From the CFHT Survey will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-602555