Low rock mass fraction within trans-Neptunian objects inferred from the spin-orbit evolution of Orcus-Vanth and Salacia-Actaea
arXiv:2504.03508 · doi:10.1029/2024JE008923
Abstract
Satellites play a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). The spin--orbit evolution of satellite systems depends on their thermal histories, allowing us to constrain the rock mass fraction within TNOs based on their current spin--orbit states. In this study, we perform coupled thermal--orbital evolution calculations for two satellite systems around undifferentiated TNOs: Orcus--Vanth and Salacia--Actaea. Our results demonstrate that the current spin--orbit states of these systems are consistent with a rock mass fraction of approximately 20--30%. Additionally, we estimate the organic mass fraction within the TNOs and find that it is comparable to the rock mass fraction. These findings suggest that the chemical composition of TNOs closely resembles that of comets.
Accepted for publication in JGR: Planets
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