Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 1979
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979icar...39..131h&link_type=abstract
Icarus, vol. 39, July 1979, p. 131-136.
Physics
21
Cosmology, Natural Satellites, Neptune (Planet), Pluto (Planet), Trajectory Analysis, Monte Carlo Method, Nereid, Orbit Calculation
Scientific paper
The origin of Pluto and the peculiar satellite system of Neptune as a result of a disruption of a normal system of Neptunian satellites by a passing body of significant mass is considered. The effects of a planetary encounter with a disrupting body in various hyperbolic orbits on a set of regular satellites in circular orbits are studied in a series of Monte Carlo experiments. It is found that masses of the disrupting body approaching one hundred thousandth of the mass of the sun are necessary for a reasonable chance (1 in 200) of producing an escaped satellite. An encounter resulting in the perturbation of two of the satellites into orbits reminiscent of Triton and Nereid, the capture of one satellite by the disrupting body and the deflection of one satellite into an orbit similar to that of Pluto has been obtained and the circumstances of such an encounter are noted. It is suggested that the massive body responsible for the disruption could have been an as yet undiscovered trans-Neptunian planet.
Harrington Robert S.
van Flandern Thomas C.
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