The Kuiper Belt and the Primordial Evolution of the Solar System

摘要: We discuss the structure of Kuiper belt as it can be inferred from first decade of observations. In particular, we focus on its most intriguing properties — mass deficit, the inclination distribution, and apparent existence an outer edge a correlation among inclinations, colors, sizes which clearly show that has lost pristine structure of dynamically cold protoplanetary disk. Understanding how acquired its present will provide insight into formation planetary system its early evolution. critically review scenarios have been proposed so far for primordial sculpting belt. None them explain in single model all observed properties; real history probably requires combination some the proposed mechanisms.