Where is the main source of Jupiter family comets situated?

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to identify the main source region of Jupiter family comet nuclei, concluding it is likely within 6 AU of the Sun, based on orbital evolution patterns.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the spatial origin of Jupiter family comets through detailed orbit evolution analysis and numerical calculations.

Findings

Main source of Jupiter family comets is within 6 AU of the Sun.

Orbital evolution mainly involves semi-major axes increasing due to gravitational interactions.

Small bodies tend to evolve towards larger semi-major axes over time.

Abstract

An attempt to determine spatial location of the main source of short-period comet nuclei was made. There were carried out numerical calculations for orbit evolution of Jupiter family comets, comets with middle-period orbits and bodies of Centaur group. On the basis of the calculations it was shown, that orbital evolution of the solar system small bodies is mainly going in the direction of the semi-major axes increase. It belongs to the bodies which can undergo approaches the planets, and orbital evolution of which is mainly going due to the gravitational forces. Such result is confirmed by qualitative analysis of changes of small body semi-major axes under approaches the planets. The conclusion was drawn that the main source of nuclei of Jupiter family comets is apparently situated at distances from the Sun not more than 6 AU.