tech
February 19, 2026
Simulations shed light on how snowman-shaped body in Kuiper belt may have formed
Research adds weight to theory Arrokoth’s two lobes produced by gravitational collapse – and reveals process
TL;DR
- New computer simulations provide insights into the formation of double-lobed bodies in the Kuiper belt, such as Arrokoth.
- The simulations support the theory that these objects form through a process called gravitational collapse.
- In the model, two small planetesimals orbit each other and merge at low speeds to form a contact binary resembling Arrokoth.
- This research offers a detailed view of the mechanism behind the formation of these primitive solar system objects.
- The findings align with previous hypotheses suggesting gentle formation processes for Kuiper belt objects.
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