Candidate Members and Age Estimate of the Family of Kuiper Belt Object 2003 EL61

Details Candidate Members and Age Estimate of the Family of Kuiper Belt Object 2003 EL61 Candidate Members and Age Estimate of the Family of Kuiper Belt Object 2003 EL61

2007-09-04

arxiv.org/abs/0709.0328v1

Astron.J.134:2160-2167,2007

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

22 pages, 5 figures, accepted to AJ, author's cv available at http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~darin

Scientific paper

10.1086/522334

The collisional family of Kuiper belt object (KBO) 2003 EL61 opens the possibility for many interesting new studies of processes important in the formation and evolution of the outer solar system. As the first family in the Kuiper belt, it can be studied using techniques developed for studying asteroid families, although some modifications are necessary. Applying these modified techniques allows for a dynamical study of the 2003 EL61 family. The velocity required to change orbits is used to quantitatively identify objects near the collision. A method for identifying family members that have potentially diffused in resonances (like 2003 EL61) is also developed. Known family members are among the very closest KBOs to the collision and two new likely family members are identified: 2003 UZ117 and 1999 OY3. We also give tables of candidate family members which require future observations to confirm membership. We estimate that a minimum of ~1 GYr is needed for resonance diffusion to produce the current position of 2003 EL61, implying that the family is likely primordial. Future refinement of the age estimate is possible once (many) more resonant objects are identified. The ancient nature of the collision contrasts with the seemingly fresh surfaces of known family members, suggesting that our understanding of outer solar system surfaces is incomplete.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Candidate Members and Age Estimate of the Family of Kuiper Belt Object 2003 EL61 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 Candidate Members and Age Estimate of the Family of Kuiper Belt Object 2003 EL61, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Candidate Members and Age Estimate of the Family of Kuiper Belt Object 2003 EL61 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-414071