Pioneer anomaly? Gravitational pull due to the Kuiper belt

Abstract

In this work we study the gravitational influence of the material extending from Uranus orbit to the Kuiper belt and beyond on objects moving within these regions. We conclude that a density distribution given by $\rho (r)=\frac{1}{r}$ (for $r\ge 20UA$) generates a constant acceleration towards the Sun on those objects, which, with the proper amount of mass, accounts for the blue shift detected on the Pioneers space crafts. We also discuss the effect of this gravitational pull on Neptune, and comment on the possible origin of such a matter distribution.

5 figures, final version, accepted for publication at Int. J. of Mod. Phys. D