Last giant impact on the Neptunian system. Constraints on oligarchic masses in the trans-Saturnian region

Details Last giant impact on the Neptunian system. Constraints on oligarchic masses in the trans-Saturnian region Last giant impact on the Neptunian system. Constraints on oligarchic masses in the trans-Saturnian region

2011-04-04

arxiv.org/abs/1104.0635v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics

Paper accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Stochastic impacts by large bodies are, at present, the usually accepted mechanisms able to account for the obliquity of the ice giants. We attempt to set constraints on giant impacts as the cause of Neptune's current obliquity in the framework of modern theories. We also use the present orbital properties of the Neptunian irregular satellites (with the exception of Triton) to set constraints on the scenario of giant impacts at the end of Neptune formation. We model the angular momentum transfer to proto-Neptune and the impulse transfer to its irregular satellites by the last stochastic collision (GC) between the protoplanet and an oligarchic mass at the end of Neptune's formation. We obtain that an impactor mass greather than 4 Earth masses is not possible since it cannot reproduce the present rotational properties of the planet, unless the impact parameter of the collision were very small. On the other hand, if the impactor mass was greather than 1.4 Earth masses, the present Neptunian irregular satellites had to be formed or captured after the end of stochastic impacts. The upper bounds on the oligarchic masses (4 Earth masses from the obliquity of Neptune and 1.4 earth masses from the Neptunian irregular satellites) are independent of unknown parameters, such as the mass and distribution of the planetesimals, the location at which Uranus and Neptune were formed, the Solar Nebula initial surface mass density, and the growth regime. If stochastic impacts had occurred, these results should be understood as upper constraints on the oligarchic masses in the trans-Saturnian region at the end of ice planet formation and may be used to set constraints on planetary formation scenarios.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Last giant impact on the Neptunian system. Constraints on oligarchic masses in the trans-Saturnian region 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 Last giant impact on the Neptunian system. Constraints on oligarchic masses in the trans-Saturnian region, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Last giant impact on the Neptunian system. Constraints on oligarchic masses in the trans-Saturnian region will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-318426