Double systems three components

2004/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Astronomia

Some of the objects found in the space called Kuiper belt appear by couples and some researchers present a new model to explain their origin. The Kuiper belt, an area close to the Neptune, is filled with small rocky bodies that revolve around the Sun.

(Photo: ESA).

These bodies are frozen and are considered remains in the formation of the Solar System. Some of them form double systems, the two objects orbit each other and, as a system, revolve around the Sun.

In the model proposed by the researchers, couples are initially formed by a large object and a small object. Then, the pair's gravity field captures a third object, and the minor is outside the system.

These systems are increasingly numerous and now want to investigate their orbits. Research can help to know the origin of objects and confirm the suitability of the new mechanism.