Shepherding in a Self-Gravitating Disk of Trans-Neptunian Objects

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a massive, eccentric trans-Neptunian disk can shepherd TNOs into stable, aligned or anti-aligned orbits, potentially explaining observed orbital clustering without invoking additional planets.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive dynamical model showing that a self-gravitating debris disk can produce observed TNO orbital features, offering an alternative to hypothesized ninth planets.

Findings

Identified disk parameters that produce stable, clustered TNO orbits.

Demonstrated the disk's ability to counteract planetary precession effects.

Provided a natural formation scenario consistent with Solar System evolution.

Abstract

A relatively massive and moderately eccentric disk of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) can effectively counteract apse precession induced by the outer planets, and in the process shepherd highly eccentric members of its population into nearly-stationary configurations which are anti-aligned with the disk itself. We were sufficiently intrigued by this remarkable feature to embark on an extensive exploration of the full spatial dynamics sustained by the combined action of giant planets and a massive trans-Neptunian debris disk. In the process, we identified ranges of disk mass, eccentricity and precession rate which allow apse-clustered populations that faithfully reproduce key orbital properties of the much discussed TNO population. The shepherding disk hypothesis is to be sure complementary to any potential ninth member of the Solar System pantheon, and could obviate the need for it altogether. We discuss its essential ingredients in the context of Solar System formation and evolution, and argue for their naturalness in view of the growing body of observational and theoretical knowledge about self-gravitating disks around massive bodies, extra-solar debris disks included.