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Updated: May 25, 2025
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Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
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Occultation constraints on solar system formation models
Marc W Buie1, John M Keller2, David Nesvorný1
1Southwest Research Institute, 1301 Walnut St., Suite 400, Boulder, CO 80302, USA.
Summary
Understanding solar system formation is key. Studying the 3D shape of Kuiper Belt Object Arrokoth using occultation and New Horizons data provides new constraints on planetary system formation models.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
Background:
- Solar system formation involves the evolution of dust and gas around young stars into planetary systems.
- Understanding our solar system's origins provides context for exoplanetary systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To constrain solar system formation models using new data from a Cold-Classical Kuiper Belt Object (CCKBO).
- To investigate the potential of occultation surveys for future insights into planetary system formation.
Main Methods:
- Combined occultation observations and New Horizons flyby data of CCKBO (498958) Arrokoth.
- Analysis of Arrokoth's three-dimensional shape to inform formation models.
Main Results:
- The three-dimensional shape of Arrokoth provides essential new constraints on existing solar system formation models.
- Occultation observations offer a method to study the population-wide properties of CCKBOs.
Conclusions:
- A population-wide survey of CCKBOs using occultations can yield fundamental insights into solar system formation.
- Measuring shape, binarity, and spin-pole orientation distributions in this primordial reservoir is crucial.
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