KCTF Evolution of Trans-Neptunian Binaries
Abstract
Recent observational surveys of Trans-Neptunian Binary (TNB) systems have dramatically increased the number of known mutual orbits. Kozai Cycle Tidal Friction (KCTF) simulations of synthetic binary systems shows that tidal dissipation in these systems can totally reshape their orbits. Specifically, solar torques should have dramatically accelerated the tidal decay and circularization of primordial (or recently excited) TNBs. As a result, an initially random distribution of TNBs will evolve to three distinct populations: extremely tight systems, very low inclination systems, and long-term Kozai oscillators. The tight systems account for approximately one third of evolved systems, while one third to one half are coplanar. These populations appear for a range of TNO physical properties, with stronger gravitational quadrapole minimizing variation due to different physical tidal properties.
- Publication:
-
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011
- Pub Date:
- October 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011epsc.conf..178P