Dynamical determination of the Kuiper Belt's mass from motions of the inner planets of the Solar System
Abstract
Description
In this paper we dynamically determine the mass of the Kuiper Belt Objects by exploiting the latest observational determinations of the orbital motions of the inner planets of the Solar System. Our result, in units of terrestrial masses, is 0.033 +/- 0.115 by modelling the Classical Kuiper Belt Objects as an ecliptic ring of finite thickness. A two-rings model yields for the Resonant Kuiper Belt Objects a value of 0.018 +/- 0.063. Such figures are consistent with recent determinations obtained with ground and space-based optical techniques. Some implications for precise tests of Einsteinian and post-Einsteinian gravity are briefly discussed.
LaTex, 12 pages, no figures, 4 tables, 27 references. One reference added. To appear in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
LaTex, 12 pages, no figures, 4 tables, 27 references. One reference added. To appear in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society