Characteristics and Origin of the Quadruple System at Pluto

Details Characteristics and Origin of the Quadruple System at Pluto Characteristics and Origin of the Quadruple System at Pluto

2005-12-23

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0512599v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

15 pages, 1 figure

Scientific paper

Our discovery of two new satellites of Pluto, designated S/2005 P 1 and S/2005 P 2 (henceforth, P1 and P2), combined with the constraints on the absence of more distant satellites of Pluto, reveal that Pluto and its moons comprise an unusual, highly compact, quadruple system. The two newly discovered satellites of Pluto have masses that are very small compared to both Pluto and Charon, creating a striking planet-satellite system architecture. These facts naturally raise the question of how this puzzling satellite system came to be. Here we show that P1 and P2's proximity to Pluto and Charon, along with their apparent locations in high-order mean-motion resonances, likely result from their being constructed from Plutonian collisional ejecta. We argue that variable optical depth dust-ice rings form sporadically in the Pluto system, and that rich satellite systems may be found, perhaps frequently, around other large Kuiper Belt objects.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Characteristics and Origin of the Quadruple System at Pluto 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 Characteristics and Origin of the Quadruple System at Pluto, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Characteristics and Origin of the Quadruple System at Pluto will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-696603