On the interstellar origin of high-inclination Centaurs

TL;DR

This paper defends the interstellar origin hypothesis of high-inclination Centaurs against criticism, using entropy analysis and dynamical lifetime concepts, supported by independent research and suggesting future observational tests.

Contribution

It refutes previous criticisms by demonstrating the validity of the interstellar origin hypothesis through entropy and dynamical lifetime analysis, and highlights the need for further observations.

Findings

Entropy's increase does not hinder orbit analysis.

Interstellar origin explains high-inclination Centaurs abundance.

Future observations can distinguish origins of Centaurs.

Abstract

Following our identification of the probable interstellar origin of high-inclination Centaurs, Morbidelli et al. (2020) issued a rebuttal criticizing our methods and conclusions. Here, we show that the criticism is unfounded. Entropy's increase in the past is not an obstacle to accessing the statistical properties of Centaur past orbits as entropic expansion occurs around a time-independent conserved quantity that explains the probable orbits' clustering in parameter space, known as the polar corridor. The Copernican principle does not imply that unstable motion does not exist in the solar system. It clarifies the meaning of the dynamical lifetime ensuring that Centaurs originating in the planetesimal disc are able to return to it in the time-backward simulation. Our conclusions are supported by published independent research that shows conventional disc relaxation models do not explain the abundance of high inclination Centaurs and that enrichment from the interstellar medium is required. Future physical observations of the identified Centaurs and TNOs are likely to reveal the similarities and differences between solar system-born and interstellar origin Centaurs.