COMET DELIVERY FROM THE OORT CLOUD TO SHORT-PERIOD COMETS AND IMPACTS WITH THE SUN

摘要

Comet capture from the Oort cloud is studied by performing simulations of the long-term dynamical evolution of Oort cloud comets. The Monte Carlo model used in the capture studies takes into account several dynamical and physical factors affecting the physico-dynamical evolution of comets. In this study we present results of additional simulations made after the previous calculations reported in [13] and [14]. The main difference to earlier calculations is that here a three component Oort cloud model is used and a fading model consistent with the observed energy distribution of long-period comets is applied in all simulations. Also, as an independent study, the number of sun-hitters originating in the Oort cloud is calculated and it is concluded that this end-state is frequent for the captured comets.