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  • Dataset for: A Pluto-Charon Sonata IV. Improved Constraints on the Dynamical Behavior and Masses of the Small Satellites

    Description:
    We discuss a new set of ~ 500 numerical n-body calculations designed to constrain the masses and bulk densities of Styx, Nix, Kerberos, and Hydra. Comparisons of different techniques for deriving the semimajor axis and eccentricity of the four satellites favor methods relying on the theory of Lee & Peale (2006), where satellite orbits are derived in the context of the restricted three body problem (Pluto, Charon, and one massless satellite). In each simulation, we adopt the nominal satellite masses derived in Kenyon & Bromley (2019b), multiply the mass of at least one satellite by a numerical factor f >= 1, and establish whether the system ejects at least one satellite on a time scale <= 4.5~Gyr. When the total system mass is large (f >> 1), ejections of Kerberos are more common. Systems with lower satellite masses (f ~ 1) usually eject Styx. In these calculations, Styx often signals an ejection by moving to higher orbital inclination long before ejection; Kerberos rarely signals in a useful way. The n-body results suggest that Styx and Kerberos are more likely to have bulk densities comparable with water ice, rho_SK <= 2 g/cm^3, than with rock. A strong upper limit on the total system mass, M_SNKH <= 9.5 x 10^19 g, also places robust constraints on the average bulk density of the four satellites, rho_SNKH <= 1.4 g/cm^3. These limits support models where the satellites grow out of icy material ejected during a major impact on Pluto or Charon.
    Keyword:
    Nix, dynamic evolution, satellites , Hydra, Styx, Charon, model, Pluto, planets, and Kerberos
    Subject:
    Astrophysics
    Creator:
    Kenyon, Scott and Bromley, Benjamin
    Owner:
    BENJAMIN BROMLEY
    Based Near Label Tesim:
    United States, , United States
    Date Uploaded:
    04/01/2022
    Date Modified:
    12/06/2023
    Date Created:
    2019-05-15 to 2022-03-25
    License:
    CC BY NC - Allows others to use and share your data non-commercially and with attribution.
    Resource Type:
    Dataset
    Identifier:
    https://doi.org/10.7278/S50d-5g6f-yfc5

  • Dataset for: From Pebbles and Planetesimals to Planets and Dust: the Protoplanetary Disk-Debris Disk Connection

    Description:
    The similar orbital distances and incidence rates of debris disks and the prominent rings observed in protoplanetary disks suggest a potential connection between these structures. We explore this connection with new calculations that follow the evolution of rings of pebbles and planetesimals as they grow into planets and generate dusty debris. Depending on the initial solid mass and planetesimal formation efficiency, the calculations predict diverse outcomes for the resulting planet masses and accompanying debris signature. When compared with debris disk incidence rates as a function of luminosity and time, the model results indicate that the known population of bright cold debris disks can be explained by rings of solids with the (high) initial masses inferred for protoplanetary disk rings and modest planetesimal formation efficiencies that are consistent with current theories of planetesimal formation. These results support the possibility that large protoplanetary disk rings evolve into the known cold debris disks. The inferred strong evolutionary connection between protoplanetary disks with large rings and mature stars with cold debris disks implies that the remaining majority population of low-mass stars with compact protoplanetary disks leave behind only modest masses of residual solids at large radii and evolve primarily into mature stars without detectable debris beyond 30 au. The approach outlined here illustrates how combining observations with detailed evolutionary models of solids strongly constrains the global evolution of disk solids and underlying physical parameters such as the efficiency of planetesimal formation and the possible existence of invisible reservoirs of solids in protoplanetary disks.
    Keyword:
    model, low-mass stars, debris disks, planetesimals, protoplanetary disks, ring of pebbles, and planet formation
    Subject:
    Astronomy
    Creator:
    Kenyon, Scott, Najita, Joan, and Bromley, Ben
    Owner:
    BENJAMIN BROMLEY
    Based Near Label Tesim:
    Goddard, Maryland, United States
    Language:
    English
    Date Uploaded:
    10/01/2021
    Date Modified:
    06/03/2024
    Date Created:
    2020-06-01 to 2021-09-28
    License:
    CC BY NC - Allows others to use and share your data non-commercially and with attribution.
    Resource Type:
    Dataset