Small Bodies of the Solar System Active at Large Heliocentric Distances: Studies with the 6-Meter Telescope of Sao Ras

TL;DR

This study investigates comets active at large heliocentric distances using the 6-meter telescope, providing insights into Solar System evolution and volatile delivery mechanisms, especially from Kuiper-belt and Oort-cloud bodies.

Contribution

It presents new observational data on distant active comets, enhancing understanding of their composition and activity, and implications for Solar System formation models.

Findings

Detection of comet-like activity at distances >4 au

Evidence supporting volatile delivery from Kuiper-belt and Oort-cloud bodies

Insights into the composition of primitive Solar System matter

Abstract

A detailed study of comets active at large heliocentric distances (greater than 4 au) which enter the Solar System for the first time and are composed of matter in its elementary, unprocessed state, would help in our understanding of the history and evolution of the Solar System. In particular, contemporary giant planet formation models require the presence of accretion of volatile elements such as neon, argon, krypton, xenon and others, which initially could not survive at the distances where giant planets were formed. Nevertheless, the volatile components could be effectively delivered by the Kuiper-belt and Oort-cloud bodies, which were formed at temperatures below 30 K. This review is dedicated to the results of a multi-year comprehensive study of small bodies of the Solar System showing a comet-like activity at large heliocentric distances. The data were obtained from observations with the 6-meter telescope of SAO RAS equipped with multi-mode focal reducers SCORPIO and SCORPIO-2.