In situe irregular satellite formation
Xiaochen Zheng, Peking University
Advisors: Hagai Perets, Alice Quillen
Abstract: We investigate formation of satellites through collisions in a planetesimal disk that is surrounding an oblique oblate planet. We find that Kozai resonance lifted particles cause large eccentricities and inclinations in the growing satellite population and this can lead to formation of a single large moon near the Laplace radius. It could be the formation mechanism for a single large moon. Besides, retrograde moon forms in some cases motivted us a possible fomation mechanism for Triton-like irregulars.
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