Scattered Disk
The Scattered Disk is a region of the Solar System beyond the orbit of Neptune, characterized by icy bodies with highly elliptical and inclined orbits. Here are some key details about the Scattered Disk:
- Definition: The Scattered Disk consists of objects that have been gravitationally influenced by the giant planets, particularly Neptune, resulting in their current highly scattered orbits.
- Origin: It is believed that these objects were originally part of the Kuiper Belt but were scattered by gravitational interactions with the outer planets.
- Orbital Characteristics:
- Orbits can have semi-major axes ranging from 30 to over 100 AU.
- These objects often have high eccentricities and inclinations, which distinguishes them from the more stable orbits of the Kuiper Belt objects.
- Notable Objects:
- Eris, once thought to be the tenth planet, is a prominent member of the Scattered Disk.
- Sedna, although its orbit might suggest a different classification, is often discussed in relation to the Scattered Disk due to its extreme orbit.
- Discovery and Observation:
- The concept of the Scattered Disk was introduced by astronomers in the late 1990s as more trans-Neptunian objects were discovered.
- Observations from telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope and surveys like the Deep Ecliptic Survey have contributed to our understanding of these objects.
- Significance:
- The Scattered Disk provides clues about the early Solar System's dynamics, particularly the migration of the giant planets.
- These objects are potential targets for future space missions aiming to explore the outer Solar System.
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