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
|
|
Thales and Airbus to build next-generation radar imaging satellites
Posted: Sat, Jun 13 10:02 AM ET (1402 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, June 19
ESA names Belgian Jean-Luc Trullemans as new strategy director
Belga News Agency — 6:20 am ET (1020 GMT) SBD 1 commander visits Maui to assess infrastructure support to mission operations
US Space Force — 6:15 am ET (1015 GMT) NASA Chief Bought Millions in SpaceX-Linked Stock Before IPO, While Pushing SpaceX's Agenda
Sludge — 6:12 am ET (1012 GMT) The average SpaceX buyer post-IPO is almost under water after two-day slide
CNBC — 6:09 am ET (1009 GMT) SpaceX Bankers Prepare for Bond Sale of at Least $20 Billion
Bloomberg News — 6:08 am ET (1008 GMT) |
