New model explains capture of Triton
Posted: Mon, May 15, 2006, 7:32 AM ET (1132 GMT)
Planetary scientists have developed a new model that explains how Triton, Neptune's largest moon, ended up in its unusual orbit. According to a study published in the latest issue of the journal Nature, Triton was once part of a binary system, much like Pluto-Charon, that passed close to Neptune. The planet's gravity stripped Triton from its binary companion, putting the world into an inclined, circular, retrograde orbit around Neptune. The model explains the moon's unusual orbit more satisfactorily than earlier models, which relied on a collision with another moon or aerodynamic drag from the protoplanetary disk that created the solar system.
Planetary scientists have developed a new model that explains how Triton, Neptune's largest moon, ended up in its unusual orbit. According to a study published in the latest issue of the journal Nature, Triton was once part of a binary system, much like Pluto-Charon, that passed close to Neptune. The planet's gravity stripped Triton from its binary companion, putting the world into an inclined, circular, retrograde orbit around Neptune. The model explains the moon's unusual orbit more satisfactorily than earlier models, which relied on a collision with another moon or aerodynamic drag from the protoplanetary disk that created the solar system.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, January 29
Europe’s next-generation weather satellite sends back first images
ESA — 6:10 am ET (1110 GMT) ESA at the European Space Conference - Day 2
ESA — 6:09 am ET (1109 GMT) EU Brings GOVSATCOM Secure Communications Service Online
European Spaceflight — 6:09 am ET (1109 GMT) As Space Force wraps up GPS III launches, lawmakers push for more anti-jam capability
Breaking Defense — 6:08 am ET (1108 GMT) SPACECOM chief cites Army, Marines as models for expanding on-orbit warfighting exercises
Breaking Defense — 6:08 am ET (1108 GMT) |
