Dynamics of escaping Earth ejecta and their collision probability with different Solar System bodies

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to analyze the dynamics and collision probabilities of Earth ejecta with other Solar System bodies, including for the first time Jupiter, providing insights into interplanetary material exchange.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive simulation approach with a larger particle set to accurately estimate collision probabilities with Mars and Jupiter, advancing previous models.

Findings

Collision rates with Venus and the Moon align with prior studies.

Collision probability with Mars exceeds previous estimates based on cross sections.

First direct calculation of collision probability with Jupiter.

Abstract

It has been suggested that the ejection to interplanetary space of terrestrial crustal material, accelerated in a large impact, may result in the interchange of biological material between Earth and other Solar System bodies. In this paper, we analyze the fate of debris ejected from Earth by means of numerical simulations of the dynamics of a large collection of test particles. This allows us to determine the probability and conditions for the collision of ejecta with other planets of the Solar System. We also estimate the amount of particles falling-back to Earth as a function of time after being ejected. We find that, in general, the collision rates of Earth ejecta with Venus and the Moon, as well as the fall-back rates, are consistent with results reported in the literature. By considering a larger number of particles than in all previous calculations we have also determined directly the collision probability with Mars and, for the first time, computed collision probabilities with Jupiter. We find that the collision probability with Mars is greater than values determined from collision cross section estimations previously reported.