Perspectives on the distribution of orbits of distant Trans-Neptunian Objects

Abstract

Looking at the orbits of small bodies with large semimajor axes, we are compelled to see patterns. Some of these patterns are noted as strong indicators of new or hidden processes in the outer Solar System, others are substantially generated by observational biases, and still others may be completely overlooked. We can gain insight into the current and past structure of the outer Solar System through a careful examination of these orbit patterns. In this chapter, we discuss the implications of the observed orbital distribution of distant trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We start with some cautions on how observational biases must affect the known set of TNO orbits. Some of these biases are intrinsic to the process of discovering TNOs, while others can be reduced or eliminated through careful observational survey design. We discuss some orbital element correlations that have received considerable attention in the recent literature. We examine the known TNOs in the context of the gravitational processes that the known Solar System induces in orbital distributions. We discuss proposed new elements of the outer Solar System, posited ancient processes, and the types of TNO orbital element distributions that they predict to exist. We conclude with speculation.

15 pages, 3 figures, to appear in The Trans-Neptunian Solar System (Chapter 3)

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Cited by in corpus (12)

• Testing the isotropy of the Dark Energy Survey's extreme trans-Neptunian objects
• Oort cloud Ecology II: The chronology of the formation of the Oort cloud
• Collision Probabilities in the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt
• Trajectory of the stellar flyby that shaped the outer solar system
• Orbital precession in the distant solar system; further constraining the Planet Nine hypothesis with numerical simulations
• Apsidal Clustering following the Inclination Instability
• The Resonance Hopping Effect in the Neptune-Planet Nine System
• Discovery and dynamics of a Sedna-like object with a perihelion of 66 au
• From Planetesimals to Dwarf Planets by Pebble Accretion
• JWST Spectroscopy of a Blue Binary Cold Classical Kuiper Belt Object
• Orbital features of distant trans-Neptunian objects induced by giant gaseous clumps
• Steeper Scattered Disks Buckle Faster