Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Apr 1975
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1975icar...24..516h&link_type=abstract
International Astronomical Union, Colloquium on Planetary Satellites, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., Aug. 18-21, 1974.) Icaru
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
18
Astronomical Models, Earth-Moon System, Lunar Evolution, Mass Ratios, Natural Satellites, Embryos, Gravitational Effects, Planetary Evolution, Planetary Orbits, Planetology
Scientific paper
A model of the accumulation process of a satellite about an accreting planet is proposed in order to explain the difference in relative size between the moon and the outer planets' satellites. The parameter that most strongly affects the final mass ratio of the pair in this model is the time at which the secondary embryo is introduced. Thus the difference between terrestrial and outer planet satellite systems is easily understood in terms of the differences in Q (the specific dissipation function of the particles in the circumplanetary cloud) between these planets. The high Q of the outer planets does not allow a satellite embryo to survive a significant portion of the accretion process; therefore only small bodies formed very late in the accumulation of the planet remain as satellites.
Harris Alan W.
Kaula William M.
No associations
LandOfFree
A co-accretional model of satellite formation 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 A co-accretional model of satellite formation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A co-accretional model of satellite formation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-948341