Computer simulation of the possible evolution of the orbits of Pluto and bodies of the trans-Neptune belt (original) (raw)

The variations of the orbital elements of three gravitationally interacting bodies moving around the Sun in the same plane are investigated by numerical solution of the equations of motion of the four-body problem. The mases of the bodies are about equal to that of Pluto, and their initial orbits are circular. In the variant considered, the eccentricity of the orbit of one of the bodies increases to 0.05 after about 2.5*10^5 revolutions of the bodies around the Sun, and its perihelion distance decreased by 10%. The subsequent evolution of the orbit can be investigated by the method of spheres of action. It is found with the aid of this method that the perihelion distance of one of the bodies may increase by half during approximately 10^7 revolutions of the body around the Sun. The results of these studies indicate that certain bodies of the trans-Neptunian belt (which T.M. Eneev believes included Pluto) may have migrated to the orbit of Neptune.