We explore properties of the long-term dynamics of particles (moonlets, fragments, debris etc.) around KBO 2014 MU69 (Arrokoth), as well as around similar contact-binary objects potentially present in the Kuiper belt. The chaotic diffusion of particles inside the Hill sphere of MU69 (or, generally, a similar object) is studied by means of construction of appropriate stability diagrams and by application of analytical approaches generally based on the Kepler map theory. The formation and evolution of the particle clouds, due to the chaotic diffusion inside the Hill sphere, are studied and the cloud lifetimes are estimated.

Original languageEnglish
Article number114178
Number of pages8
JournalIcarus
Volume357
Early online date19 Oct 2020
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Mar 2021

    Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

    Research areas

  • 2014 MU69, Arrokoth, Celestial mechanics, Contact binaries, Dynamical chaos, Kuiper belt objects

ID: 70633971