An outer planet beyond pluto
Researchers from Kobe University propose that the orbital history of an outer planet can explain the trans-Neptunian belt orbital structure.
This massive body was likely scattered by one of the giant planets, which then stirred the primordial planetesimal disk to the levels observed at 40-50 AU and truncated it at about 48 AU before planet migration.
The outer planet later acquired an inclined stable orbit (≥100 AU; 20-40°) because of a resonant interaction with Neptune, guaranteeing the stability of the trans-Neptunian belt.
They say their model consistently reproduces the main features of each dynamical class with unprecedented detail; it also satisfies other constraints such as the current small total mass of the trans-Neptunian belt and Neptune's current orbit at 30.1 AU.
Observationally testable predictions are also proposed.
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