Evolution of small bodies in the solar system

Abstract

Orbital evolutions and spectral changes of small bodies in the solar system are discussed. Recent discovery of Kuiper belt objects changed the image of our solar system. The size of the largest body is close to that of Pluto. Orbital stability and simulation studies clarified a route from Kuiper belt objects to short period comets through Jupiter family comets. Recent dynamical studies including chaos and Yarkovsky effect clarified a route from main belt asteroids to near Earth asteroids and meteorites. Space weathering process not only solved spectral mismatches between asteroids and meteorites but also should provide age information of asteroids. Color variation of Kuiper belt objects may reflect ongoing surface alteration process. © 2005, Japan Association of Mineralogical Sciences. All rights reserved.