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Chapter 7: Problem 9

What is an asteroid? What is a trans-Neptunian object? In what ways are these minor members of the solar system like or unlike the planets?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Asteroids are rocky remnants from the formation of the solar system, residing mainly in the asteroid belt. Trans-Neptunian objects are minor planets orbiting the Sun at a greater distance than Neptune. Both are similar to planets in that they are celestial bodies formed from the same early solar system, orbiting the sun. However, they differ from planets in size, lack of atmosphere, potentially have their own moons, and often irregular shape.

Step by step solution

01

Defining an Asteroid

Asteroids are rocky, airless remnants left over from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. They are located mainly in the asteroid belt — a region of space located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
02

Defining a Trans-Neptunian Object

A trans-Neptunian object (TNO) is any minor planet in the Solar System that orbits the Sun at a greater average distance (semi-major axis) than Neptune. They are considered a subset of the broader family of minor planets.
03

Similarities with Planets

Asteroids and trans-Neptunian objects share some broad similarities with planets. Several aspects are shared such as being celestial bodies orbiting the sun, and having the same origin from the early solar system.
04

Differences from Planets

Despite these similarities, there are meaningful differences. Unlike planets, asteroids and TNOs don't have an atmosphere, and they are much smaller in size. Also, while too small to qualify, some do have their own moons. Additionally, these objects are often irregular in shape, unlike the spherical shape of full-fledged planets.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Imagine a trans-Neptunian object with roughly the same mass as Earth but located \(50 \mathrm{AU}\) from the Sun. (a) What do you think this object would be made of? Explain your reasoning. (b) On the basis of this speculation, assume a reasonable density for this object and calculate its diameter. How many times bigger or smaller than Earth would it be?

Consider a hypothetical trans-Neptunian object located \(100 \mathrm{AU}\) from the Sun. (a) What would be the orbital period (in years) of this object? (b) There are 360 degrees in a circle, and 60 arcminutes in a degree. How long would it take this object to move 1 arcminute across the sky? (c) TransNeptunian objects are discovered by looking for "stars" that move on the celestial sphere. Use your answer from part (b) to explain why these discoveries require patience. (d) Discovering trans-Neptunian objects also requires large telescopes equipped with sensitive detectors. Explain why.

. In what ways is Pluto similar to a terrestrial planet? In what ways is it different?

Do all the planets orbit the Sun in the same direction? Are all of the orbits circular?

Use the Deep Space Explorer \({ }^{T M}\) program to examine the Jovian planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. In the left-hand part of the window, under the heading Solar System select Explore. Then click on the name of each planet to view it in detail. You can zoom in and zoom out using the buttons at the upper left of the window (an upward-pointing triangle and a downward- pointing triangle). You can also rotate the planet by putting the mouse cursor over the image of the planet or asteroid, holding down the mouse button, and moving the mouse. (On a two-button mouse, hold down the left mouse button.) Describe each planet's appearance. Which has the greatest color contrast in its cloudtops? Which has the least color contrast? What can you say about the thickness of Saturn's rings compared to their diameter?
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