The Size Distribution & Edge of the Kuiper Belt

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

We present the results of a Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO) search based on data taken with Subaru by Sheppard et al. (2005) in search of irregular moons of Uranus. Our survey is complete to magnitude R = 25.6 and covers about 2.8 deg2 around Uranus at opposition. From 92 objects detected 82 correspond to TNOs. We present the Number Cumulative Function for the detected objects. Fitting the shape of the cumulative function with a single power law model gives a best fit with 1 object per square degree at R = 22.8 and a slope of 0.59, inconsistent with similar searches with shallower limiting magnitudes. A double power law gives a much better fit to the data with a clear break of the distribution at R = 25, a bayesian analysis supports this result. We found a lack of a significant number of detections at distances > 50 AU. We conclude that this is evidence for a break in the distance distribution of the Kuiper Belt at that distance.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The Size Distribution & Edge of the Kuiper Belt 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 The Size Distribution & Edge of the Kuiper Belt, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Size Distribution & Edge of the Kuiper Belt will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1068001

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.