Volatile Loss and Retention on Kuiper Belt Objects

Details Volatile Loss and Retention on Kuiper Belt Objects Volatile Loss and Retention on Kuiper Belt Objects

Apr 2007

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007apj...659l..61s&link_type=abstract

The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 659, Issue 1, pp. L61-L64.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

43

Kuiper Belt, Planets And Satellites: General

Scientific paper

Recent discoveries have shown that the very largest Kuiper Belt objects-Eris, 2005 FY9, and Sedna-are coated in methane and may contain other volatile ices as well. New detailed observations show that even within this class of volatile-rich bodies, unexpected differences exist in their surface compositions. 2005 FY9, a body approximately 60% the size of Pluto, with a reflectance spectrum similarly dominated by methane, has a surface depleted in molecular nitrogen by at least an order of magnitude with respect to Pluto. We find that the existence of this new class of volatile-rich objects, the lack of volatiles on most Kuiper Belt objects, and even the otherwise peculiar surface of 2005 FY9 can be explained as a consequence of atmospheric escape of volatile compounds. While previous studies of the surface compositions of objects in the Kuiper Belt have found no explainable patterns, atmospheric escape appears to provide a first-order explanation of the range of surface spectra seen on bodies in the outer solar system.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Volatile Loss and Retention on Kuiper Belt Objects 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 Volatile Loss and Retention on Kuiper Belt Objects, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Volatile Loss and Retention on Kuiper Belt Objects will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1683075