From KBOs to Centaurs: The Thermal Connection

TL;DR

This study models the thermal evolution of Kuiper belt objects and Centaurs, revealing how their physical properties and initial conditions influence their internal and surface compositions over time.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed thermal evolution model for KBOs and Centaurs, linking their physical parameters to their thermal history and surface features.

Findings

Thermal evolution depends on size and composition.

Distinct surface and subsurface features emerge in Centaurs.

Evolutionary trends vary with initial physical parameters.

Abstract

We present results of thermal evolution calculations for objects originating in the Kuiper belt and transferring inwards, to the region of the outer planets. Kuiper belt objects (KBOs) are considered to be part of a reservoir that supplies the flux of small icy bodies, mainly Centaurs and Jupiter-family comets, to regions interior to the orbit of Neptune. We study the internal thermal evolution, for yr, of three typical KBOs and use the end state of the simulation as initial conditions for evolutionary calculations of two typical Centaurs. Some evolutionary trends can be identified for the KBOs, depending on key physical parameters, such as size and composition. The subsequent evolution in the Centaur region results in both specific features for each modeled object (mainly surface and sub-surface composition) and common characteristics of thermally evolved Centaurs.