Dwarf Planet Evolution in the Kuiper Belt

Evan J. Caito
Dr. Timothy D. Wiser, Faculty Mentor

Over the last two and a half decades Astronomers have found numerous large objects within the Kuiper Belt, which are often referred to as Dwarf Planets. We will be discussing a literature review on the topic of Dwarf Planet evolution in order to understand the possible methods of planetary formation, as well as the issues with the current theories. To do this, we will examine the differences between two populations of Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs): Cold TNOs and Hot TNOs. Of these two, a majority of large Kuiper Belt Objects are in the latter population. To understand the evolution of Hot TNOs, we will analyze the effects of pebble accretion, major collisions, gravitational perturbations from Neptune, and other factors.

Keywords: Astronomy, Dwarf Planets, Kuiper Belt, Solar System

Topic(s):Astronomy
Physics

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA