Order statistics and heavy-tailed distributions for planetary perturbations on Oort cloud comets

Abstract

Aims. This paper tackles important aspects of comet dynamics from a statistical point of view. Existing methodology uses numerical integration to compute planetary perturbations to simulate such dynamics. This operation is highly computational. It is reasonable to investigate a way in which a statistical simulation of the perturbations can be handled more easily. Methods. The first step to answer such a question is to provide a statistical study of these perturbations in order to determine their main features. The statistical tools used are order statistics and heavy-tailed distributions. Results. The study carried out indicated a general pattern exhibited by the perturbations around the orbits of the planets. These characteristics were validated through statistical testing and a theoretical study based on the Ã- pik theory. © 2010 ESO.