Gas drag in primordial circumplanetary envelopes: A mechanism for satellite capture

摘要: Abstract Some natural satellites may have been captured due to the gas drag they experienced in passing through primordial circumplanetary nebulas. This paper models such an encounter and derives testable parameters from known properties of current solar system objects Bodenheimer's (1977, Icarus 31 ) model earliest phases Jupiter's evolution. We propose that clusters prograde retrograde irregular Jupiter originated when two parent bodies were decelerated fragmented as passed extended Jovian nebula. Fragmentation occured because dynamic pressure exceeded bodies' strengths. These events must occurred only shortly before nebula hydrodynamical collapse so subsequently fragments underwent limited orbital Because self-gravity relative force, initially remained together, be dispersed at a later time by collision with stray body. Predictions this hypothesis, distance size bodies, are found consistent observed satellites. In addition nebular caused inner three Galilean undergo modest amount evolution, accounting for their present resonance. Gas capture Saturn's Phoebe Iapetus Neptune's Nereid Triton also possible. Reasonable differences could explain why these satellites, contrast ones, did not fracture upon capture. The represent tiny fraction dominant would spiraled into center result continued thus offer one source heavy element cores outer planets. If is willing postulate presence massive gaseous around Mars, then account origin Martian moons. hypothesize single body was region where velocity approached Keplerian value, it deceleration least Phobos Deimos, led low eccentricity inclination characterize satellites' orbits. Following dissipation nebula, more tidally evolved its position.