A Planet Crossing the Fragment Chain of a Large Comet

Abstract

Hamid A. Rafizadeh and Rama Bhargavi Vempolu

Using two models, the Graphical Sequence Model (GSM) and the Orbital Configuration Model (OCM), this study investigates the interaction between a planet and a large comet’s fragment chain. The GSM, applied through Python coding, predicts a planet’s average number of fragment crossings and the probability of capture. Using OCM we find that upon crossing, a significant fraction of fragments escape, a notable percentage gets captured and forms a near-spherical shell around the planet, and a smaller number impacts the planet. Applying GSM to the fragment chain of a 100-km-diameter comet’s fully fragmented chain, the planet crosses an average of about 32 thousand fragments with an average capture probability of 5.33 × 10-2 per crossing per perihelion passage. OCM results indicate that 58.8% of crossed fragments escape, 36.7% are captured in orbit around the planet, and 4.5% impact the planet. The distinctive feature of OCM calculations lies in the near- spherical planetary shell formed by captured fragments. The planetary shell dynamics is analyzed in relation to the planet’s Roche limit. The capture simulation with fluid fragments moving at the planet speed demonstrates that 4.2% are fully within, 23.7% are partially within, and 72.1% are outside the Roche limit.

PDF