Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
S. Balaji, N. Zaveri, N. Hayashi, A. Hermosillo Ruiz, J. Barnes, R. Murray-Clay, K. Volk, J. Gerhardt, Z. Syed
Summary: We explore a simplified model of an early outer Solar System gravitational upheaval and find that stability sculpting may explain the observed 3:2 resonant population, but a distinct process is required to explain the inclination distribution.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexandra Witze
Summary: Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, astronomers detected thousands of previously unknown near-Earth asteroids last year.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Adam Parhi, Dina Prialnik
Summary: The most volatile ices (CO and CH4) are depleted over a timescale of about 100 million years, while other ices can be preserved. This is consistent with data collected by New Horizons on Arrokoth, showing the presence of methanol, and possibly, H2O, CO2, NH3, and C2H6, but no hypervolatiles. The effect of short-lived radionuclides is to increase the sublimation equilibrium temperatures and reduce volatile depletion times.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Andrew Shannon, Alain Doressoundiram, Francoise Roques, Bruno Sicardy, Quentin Kral
Summary: The number of small bodies in the outer solar system is more than previously estimated, as indicated by the impact craters on Pluto and Charon. Models show that the initial size of these bodies decreases with increasing semimajor axis of formation and that there is a 2:1 resonance with Neptune. Extended serendipitous occultation surveys with a broad sky coverage are the most practical approach to studying these bodies.
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Adrian Brunini
Summary: The action of tidal friction and Kozai cycles significantly alters the original orbits of trans-Neptunian binaries (TNBs). The dynamics of the Kozai mechanism depends on the orientation of the mutual orbit relative to the heliocentric orbital plane, which affects the magnitude and characteristics of the cycles. This study focuses on the effect of giant planet perturbations on the heliocentric orbits of TNBs in relation to the dynamics of Kozai cycles and tidal friction. Numerical simulations show that in about 25% of cases, these perturbations cause substantial changes in the orbital evolution, leading to irregular dynamics and a morphological shift in the Kozai cycles. When coupled with tidal friction, these variations can significantly impact the lifetime of TNBs.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexandra Witze
Summary: The mysterious space rock, possibly the exposed core of a planet that failed to fully form, could provide insights into the origins of the Solar System.
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexandra Witze
Summary: Samples collected by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission have the potential to reveal secrets of the Solar System.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Ivan I. Shevchenko, Jose Lages, Dmitrii E. Vavilov, Guillaume Rollin
Summary: This study examines the dynamical environments of (486958) Arrokoth, including its present state and long-term evolution from the formation of the Kuiper Belt Object (KBO). Both analytical and numerical approaches are used to explore debris removal mechanisms and estimate removal time-scales. The study also assesses the survival opportunities for debris orbiting around Arrokoth, providing an explanation for the absence of debris in its vicinity.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
V. V. Emel'yanenko
Summary: We study the dynamical evolution of a system consisting of giant planets and a massive planetesimal disk. Our simulations show that the combined action of planetary perturbations and the self-gravity of the disk can produce distant trans-Neptunian objects, with the long-period resonances between planetesimals playing a major role. The distribution of inclinations in our model is similar to the observed distribution for distant trans-Neptunian objects.
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Rodney Gomes
Summary: The Classical Kuiper Belt consists of low inclination objects with reddish colors, mostly in binary systems. These objects are believed to have formed in situ from primordial ice pebbles coalescing into planetesimals. A proposed mechanism suggests that reddish objects originated in the outer part of the planetesimal disk and were transported to their current locations by various processes, including short range scattering. This theory aims to explain the distribution of all objects sharing similar color characteristics in the outer region of the primordial planetesimal disk, with the Cold Classical Kuiper Belt estimated to have formed closer inwards and with a greater mass compared to its present state.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
David Nesvorny
Summary: By studying the dynamical structure of the Kuiper Belt and modeling Neptune's orbital evolution, researchers have shown that Neptune likely migrated from a smaller orbit to its current position. However, there are still discrepancies in explaining certain features of Kuiper Belt objects, requiring further research.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Meenakshi Wadhwa
Summary: The safe delivery of samples from an asteroid on September 24th will commence a global scientific journey, highlighting the need for support in similar missions.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marco Micheli
Summary: A simple and physically realistic model is proposed to reconcile the seemingly contradictory observations of the first known interstellar object, providing an understanding of its peculiarities.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
S. J. Desch, A. P. Jackson
Summary: The paper explores the origin of the interstellar object 1I/'Oumuamua, suggesting it may have originated from impact-generated fragments due to the dynamical instability that occurred in the primordial Kuiper belt, a phenomenon that may be common in other extrasolar systems. It also proposes that interstellar objects like 'Oumuamua may provide insights into a previously unobserved type of exoplanet: exo-Plutos.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Alan P. Jackson, Steven J. Desch
Summary: The study proposes that the interstellar object 1I/'Oumuamua may be composed of N-2 ice, with a high albedo, and was ejected from a young stellar system, potentially probing the surface compositions of a new type of exoplanet.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Alissa M. Earle, R. P. Binzel, J. T. Keane, W. M. Grundy, C. J. A. Howett, C. B. Olkin, A. H. Parker, F. Scipioni, K. Ennico, S. A. Stern, H. A. Weaver, L. A. Young
Summary: The New Horizons spacecraft's exploration of the Pluto system in July 2015 has provided unprecedented detailed information about Pluto's origin, surface processes, volatile transport cycles, and atmosphere. This study focuses on the volatile distribution in and around craters, using data from the Ralph/MVIC instrument, and reveals differences in compositional characteristics in different latitudinal bands. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the effects of small scale topography on volatile transport.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
B. J. Holler, M. D. Yanez, S. Protopapa, L. A. Young, A. J. Verbiscer, N. J. Chanover, W. M. Grundy
Summary: Spectral observation campaign of Pluto revealed significant changes in CH4 band areas from 2014 to 2017, likely due to sublimation of more-volatile N-2 from Pluto's northern latitudes before the northern hemisphere summer solstice in 2029, leading to an increase in CH4 concentration.
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Philip T. Metzger, W. M. Grundy, Alan Stern, James F. Bell, Charlene E. Detelich, Kirby Runyon, Michael Summers, Mark V. Sykes
Summary: The development of taxonomical concepts is crucial for planetary science, although its importance has been overshadowed by unique historical developments. In the past, astronomers classified both primaries and satellites as planets, but the non-scientific public had a folk concept that contradicted the scientific view. Modern astronomers now realize that a taxonomy aligned with geological complexity is the most useful approach.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Jason D. Hofgartner, Samuel P. D. Birch, Julie Castillo, Will M. Grundy, Candice J. Hansen, Alexander G. Hayes, Carly J. A. Howett, Terry A. Hurford, Emily S. Martin, Karl L. Mitchell, Tom A. Nordheim, Michael J. Poston, Louise M. Prockter, Lynnae C. Quick, Paul Schenk, Rebecca N. Schindhelm, Orkan M. Umurhan
Summary: This article discusses the plume phenomena on Neptune's moon Triton, introduces different eruption hypotheses, and possible observational tests. It points out the need for further research on eruption hypotheses of Triton's plumes and proposes five feasible testing methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kelsi N. Singer, Oliver L. White, Bernard Schmitt, Erika L. Rader, Silvia Protopapa, William M. Grundy, Dale P. Cruikshank, Tanguy Bertrand, Paul M. Schenk, William B. McKinnon, S. Alan Stern, Rajani D. Dhingra, Kirby D. Runyon, Ross A. Beyer, Veronica J. Bray, Cristina Dalle Ore, John R. Spencer, Jeffrey M. Moore, Francis Nimmo, James T. Keane, Leslie A. Young, Catherine B. Olkin, Tod R. Lauer, Harold A. Weaver, Kimberly Ennico-Smith
Summary: The New Horizons spacecraft returned images and data showing that Pluto's terrains have diverse ages, ranging from ancient to very young. One region stands out with very few impact craters and is dominated by huge rises with hummocky flanks. It is believed that this terrain was resurfaced by cryovolcanic processes, which are unique to Pluto and suggest unexpected, active geology in Pluto's history.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
J. Bourdelle de Micas, S. Fornasier, C. Avdellidou, M. Delbo, G. van Belle, P. Ochner, W. Grundy, N. Moskovitz
Summary: We conducted a spectroscopic survey to investigate the composition of 64 inner main belt planetesimals (IMBPs). Through ground-based observational campaigns and literature data, we obtained spectra for 60 IMBPs. The majority of IMBPs belong to the S-complex, while a significant portion belongs to the C-complex and X-complex. Our results support the hypothesis of compositional mixing in the early Solar System.
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Jason C. Cook, Silvia Protopapa, Cristina M. Dalle Ore, Dale P. Cruikshank, William M. Grundy, Carey M. Lisse, Bernard Schmitt, Anne Verbiscer, Kelsi N. Singer, John Spencer, S. Alan Stern, Harold A. Weaver
Summary: In this study, we examined the 2.21-mu m band of Charon using data obtained by New Horizons/LEISA. We found no significant variation in this band as Charon rotates. The 2.21-mu m band on Charon is several times weaker than on other moons, and we attribute it to NH4Cl based on the appearance of a weaker band at 2.24-mu m. Additionally, we observed two never-before-reported absorption features in Charon's spectrum at 1.60 and 1.63-mu m, which may also be explained by the presence of NH4Cl. If NH3-H2O ice mixtures are present on Charon, they must be a small fraction of the overall composition.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Eric Quirico, Aurore Bacmann, Cedric Wolters, Basile Auge, Laurene Flandinet, Thibault Launois, John F. Cooper, Veronique Vuitton, Thomas Gautier, Lora Jovanovic, Philippe Boduch, Hermann Rothard, Leopold Desage, Alexandre Faure, Bernard Schmitt, Olivier Poch, William M. Grundy, Silvia Protopapa, Sonia Fornasier, Dale P. Cruikshank, S. Alan Stern
Summary: The New Horizons spacecraft conducted a survey on the classical Kuiper Belt Object (KBO) Arrokoth and discovered a small bilobed object with a red surface. This red color is attributed to reddish organic materials, possibly inherited from the protosolar disk or formed through radiolytic processes. Numerical calculations and experimental simulations were carried out to study the radiolytic scenario. It was found that sputtering is mainly controlled by Solar Wind, and the sputtering rate varies depending on the nature of the material.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Richard J. J. Cartwright, David R. R. DeColibus, Julie C. Castillo-Rogez, Chloe B. B. Beddingfield, William M. M. Grundy, Tom A. A. Nordheim
Summary: By analyzing the spectra of Umbriel, we found absorption bands indicating the presence of organic materials, ammonia ice, and NH3-H2O mixtures on its surface, which are spatially associated with geological features. However, some of the candidate constituents do not match Umbriel's spectral properties in other wavelength regions, highlighting the gaps in our understanding of the surface compositions of Uranian moons.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Keith S. Noll, Michael E. Brown, Marc W. Buie, William M. Grundy, Harold F. Levison, Simone Marchi, Catherine B. Olkin, S. Alan Stern, Harold A. Weaver
Summary: This chapter reviews the current state of knowledge of Trojan asteroid satellites and discusses their scientific utility and potential observations.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Jason D. D. Hofgartner, Bonnie J. J. Buratti, Ross A. A. Beyer, Kimberly Ennico, Will M. M. Grundy, Carly J. A. Howett, Perianne E. E. Johnson, Tod R. R. Lauer, Catherine B. B. Olkin, John R. R. Spencer, S. Alan Stern, Harold A. A. Weaver, Leslie A. A. Young
Summary: The New Horizons encounter with the Pluto system revealed the spatial variability of Pluto's surface, including dark, bright, and intermediate terrains, refractory and volatile ices, and ongoing/recent processes. The albedo of Pluto, which quantifies absorbed solar energy, provides insights into volatile transport and surface processes. The study measured the bolometric albedo of Cthulhu and Sputnik Planitia, finding an increase in albedo with solar incidence angle. A map of Pluto's incidence-angle-average albedo showed the variability and sharpness of albedo at different locations.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Oriel A. Humes, Cristina A. Thomas, Joshua P. Emery, Will M. Grundy
Summary: The Lucy mission aims to understand the history of the solar system by examining primitive asteroids co-orbital with Jupiter. Using spectroscopy, the mission has discovered unique spectral features on the surfaces of these asteroids, and an optical model has been developed to explain them.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
C. M. Lisse, G. R. Gladstone, L. A. Young, D. P. Cruikshank, S. A. Sandford, B. Schmitt, S. A. Stern, H. A. Weaver, O. Umurhan, Y. J. Pendleton, J. T. Keane, J. M. Parker, R. P. Binzel, A. M. Earle, M. Horanyi, M. El-Maarry, A. F. Cheng, J. M. Moore, W. B. McKinnon, W. M. Grundy, J. J. Kavelaars, I. R. Linscott, W. Lyra, B. L. Lewis, D. T. Britt, J. R. Spencer, C. B. Olkin, R. L. McNutt, H. A. Elliott, N. Dello-Russo, J. K. Steckloff, M. Neveu, O. Mousis
Summary: This study presents predictions about the rarity of majority hypervolatile ices in Kuiper Belt objects and Oort Cloud comets, based on new ice species-specific data. These predictions have important implications for the study of the Oort Cloud, including the determination of first objects emplaced into the Oort Cloud, the measurement of gas abundance ratios in the protoplanetary disk, and statistical constraints on the emplacement of objects into the Oort Cloud.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
M. K. Bird, I. R. Linscott, G. L. Tyler, O. M. Umurhan, R. A. Beyer, W. M. Grundy, C. M. Lisse, D. P. Hinson, M. Paetzold, S. A. Stern, H. A. Weaver, C. B. Olkin, L. A. Young, J. R. Spencer, K. N. Singer, J. M. Moore, G. R. Gladstone, C. C. DeBoy, M. Vincent, S. B. Porter
Summary: The New Horizons spacecraft conducted a reconnaissance mission of the Kuiper Belt object Arrokoth, obtaining thermal emission measurements and deriving important parameters like global emissivity and thermal inertia. The results provide insights into the nature of this distant solar system body.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Richard J. Cartwright, Tom A. Nordheim, David R. DeColibus, William M. Grundy, Bryan J. Holler, Chloe B. Beddingfield, Michael M. Sori, Michael P. Lucas, Catherine M. Elder, Leonardo H. Regoli, Dale P. Cruikshank, Joshua P. Emery, Erin J. Leonard, Corey J. Cochrane
Summary: CO2 ice on the trailing hemisphere of Ariel is mainly concentrated, while absent on the leading hemisphere. The asymmetry in the distribution of CO2 ice could be attributed to radiolytic production of CO2, formed by charged particle bombardment of H2O ice and carbonaceous material. The latitudinal trend of CO2 ice distribution is influenced by radiolytic production at high latitudes and subsequent migration to low-latitude cold traps.
PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL
(2022)