Origin of orbits of secondaries in the discovered trans-Neptunian binaries

Abstract

The dependences of inclinations of orbits of secondaries in the discovered trans-Neptunian binaries on the distance between the primary and the secondary, on the eccentricity of orbits of the secondary around the primary, on the ratio of diameters of the secondary and the primary, and on the elements of heliocentric orbits of these binaries are studied. These dependences are interpreted using the model of formation of a satellite system in a collision of two rarefied condensations composed of dust and/or objects less than 1 m in diameter. It is assumed in this model that a satellite system forms in the process of compression of a condensation produced in such a collision. The model of formation of a satellite system in a collision of two condensations agrees with the results of observations: according to observational data, approximately 40% of trans-Neptunian binaries have a negative angular momentum relative to their centers of mass.