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Laboratory Drop Towers for the Experimental Simulation of Dust-aggregate Collisions in the Early Solar System
Published on: June 5, 2014
The mass disruption of Oort cloud comets.
Harold F Levison1, Alessandro Morbidelli, Luke Dones
1Southwest Research Institute, 1050 Walnut Street, Suite 426, Boulder, CO 80302, USA. hal@gort.boulder.swri.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|June 22, 2002
Summary
Most Oort cloud comets physically disrupt before reaching the inner solar system. Dynamical models predict 100 times more dormant comets than observed, indicating significant comet destruction during their journey.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Solar System Science
- Cometary Science
Background:
- The Oort cloud is a theoretical shell of icy bodies believed to surround the solar system.
- Comets originating from the Oort cloud are dynamically classified, including nearly isotropic comets.
- Understanding the population and evolution of these comets is crucial for solar system formation models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate the number of dormant, nearly isotropic Oort cloud comets in the solar system.
- To reconcile discrepancies between theoretical comet populations and observational data.
- To investigate the physical processes affecting comets during their inward migration.
Main Methods:
- Combined orbital distribution models with statistical models of comet discoveries.
- Compared model predictions with observations of known dormant comets.
- Utilized dynamical models to simulate comet evolution and survival rates.
Main Results:
- Dynamical models predict approximately 100 times more dormant nearly isotropic comets than currently observed.
- The discrepancy suggests a significant loss of cometary material.
- A substantial fraction of comets must physically disrupt during their journey from the Oort cloud.
Conclusions:
- The majority of comets originating from the Oort cloud do not survive the inward journey to the inner solar system.
- Physical disruption is a dominant process in the evolution of Oort cloud comets.
- Current models need to incorporate more robust cometary disruption mechanisms.
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