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
|
|
Tuesday, April 29
Firefly Scrubs Launch Attempt, SpaceX Falcon Rocket Lifts Off From VSFB
Noozhawk — 6:20 am ET (1020 GMT) The Commercial Space Revolution: Critical Lessons For The Space Force
Forbes.com — 6:19 am ET (1019 GMT) An aircraft carrier in space? US Space Force wants 'orbital carrier' to easily deploy spacecraft in Earth orbit
BBC — 6:19 am ET (1019 GMT) DOD mission set to launch from Wallops Island
ShoreDailyNews.com — 6:19 am ET (1019 GMT) Starbase could be Texas' newest official town. Here's how.
San Antonio Express-News — 6:14 am ET (1014 GMT) |
