From Kuiper Belt Object to Cometary Nucleus: The Missing Ultrared Matter
Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2002 papers
Abstract
We combine new and published data to show that the optical color distributions of cometary nuclei and Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) are significantly different. The nuclei are, as a group, bluer than the KBOs, indicating that the surface chemical and/or physical properties of the two types of bodies are different. Objects in the dynamically intermediate Centaur class have optical colors like those of KBOs, while the color distribution of candidate dead comets is indistinguishable from that of the cometary nuclei. We infer that the surfaces of KBOs are modified upon entry to the inner solar system. We consider several mechanisms and conclude that the color change is most likely caused by the rapid burial of ancient surface materials exposed in the Kuiper belt. The distinctive, ultrared material that is present on the surfaces of some KBOs is absent on the cometary nuclei.
Related Papers
- → Planetary exploration in the time of astrobiology: Protecting against biological contamination(2001)114 cited
- → Estimation of the Nucleus Size of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 under the Assumption of Its Step-by-Step Disintegration(2004)1 cited
- → Prebiotic Matter in Space(2012)1 cited
- Spitzer's Solar System Science Legacy: Studies of the Relics of Solar System Formation & Evolution. Part 1 - Comets, Centaurs, & Kuiper Belt Objects(2020)
- Search Parameters for the Remote Detection of Extraterrestrial Life(2002)