Version 1
: Received: 29 September 2024 / Approved: 30 September 2024 / Online: 1 October 2024 (08:26:06 CEST)
How to cite:
Christodoulou, D. M.; Laycock, S. G. T.; Kazanas, D. An Objective Classification Scheme for Solar-System Bodies Based on Surface Gravity. Preprints2024, 2024092445. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2445.v1
Christodoulou, D. M.; Laycock, S. G. T.; Kazanas, D. An Objective Classification Scheme for Solar-System Bodies Based on Surface Gravity. Preprints 2024, 2024092445. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2445.v1
Christodoulou, D. M.; Laycock, S. G. T.; Kazanas, D. An Objective Classification Scheme for Solar-System Bodies Based on Surface Gravity. Preprints2024, 2024092445. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2445.v1
APA Style
Christodoulou, D. M., Laycock, S. G. T., & Kazanas, D. (2024). An Objective Classification Scheme for Solar-System Bodies Based on Surface Gravity. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2445.v1
Chicago/Turabian Style
Christodoulou, D. M., Silas G. T. Laycock and Demosthenes Kazanas. 2024 "An Objective Classification Scheme for Solar-System Bodies Based on Surface Gravity" Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.2445.v1
Abstract
We introduce succinct and objective definitions of the various classes of objects in the solar system. Unlike in the formal definitions adopted by the International Astronomical Union in 2006, group separation is obtained from measured physical properties of the objects. Thus, this classification scheme does not rely on orbital/environmental factors subject to debate—the physical parameters are intrinsic properties of the objects themselves. Surface gravity g is the property that single-handedly differentiates (a) planets from all other objects (and it leaves no room for questioning the demotion of Pluto); and (b) the six largest (g>1 m s−2) of the large satellites from dwarf planets. Large satellites are separated from small satellites by their sizes and masses/densities, which may serve as higher-order qualifiers of class membership. Size considerations are also sufficient for the classification of (i) main-belt asteroids (except possibly Ceres) as small solar-system bodies similar in physical properties to the small satellites; and (ii) a group of large Kuiper-belt objects as dwarf planets similar in physical properties to the large (but not the largest) satellites in our solar system. The selection criteria are simple and clear and reinforce the argument that body shape and environmental factors need not be considered in stipulating class membership of solar as well as extrasolar bodies.
Keywords
asteroids, gravitation, minor planets, planets and satellites, solar system
Subject
Physical Sciences, Astronomy and Astrophysics
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
