Giant impactors - Plausible sizes and populationsThe largest sizes of planetesimals required to explain spin properties of planets are investigated in the context of the impact-trigger hypothesis of lunar origin. Solar system models with different large impactor sources are constructed and stochastic variations in obliquities and rotation periods resulting from each source are studied. The present study finds it highly plausible that earth was struck by a body of about 0.03-0.12 earth masses with enough energy and angular momentum to dislodge mantle material and form the present earth-moon system.
Document ID
19870033368
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hartmann, William K. (Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Vail, S. M. (Planetary Science Institute Tucson, AZ, United States)