Embedded star clusters and the formation of the Oort Cloud

• Published in: Icarus (New York, N.Y. 1962) Vol. 184; no. 1; pp. 59 - 82
• Main Authors: Brasser, R., Duncan, M.J., Levison, H.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01.09.2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Astronomy; Comets; dynamics; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Orbits; Origin; Solar System; Trans-neptunian objects; Comets; Origin; Orbits; Trans-neptunian objects; Eccentricity; High density; Digital simulation; Giant molecular cloud; Spheres; Star clusters; Jupiter planet; Sun; Solar System; Trans-neptunian objects; Saturn planet; dynamics; Orbits; Origin; Kuiper belt; Oort cloud; Models; Test particles; Solar system

Observations suggest most stars originate in clusters embedded in giant molecular clouds [Lada, C.J., Lada, E.A., 2003. Annu. Rev. Astron. Astrophys. 41, 57–115]. Our Solar System likely spent 1–5 Myrs in such regions just after it formed. Thus the Oort Cloud (OC) possibly retains evidence of the Su...