Investigation of a new resonant mechanism for capture of planetesimals by a protoplanet

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AST 0307673KortenkampDrs. Stephen Kortenkamp and Renu Malhotra will examine a new mechanism for capture of planetesimals by a protoplanet that involves an unusual 1:1 co-orbital resonance between the protoplanet and planetesimal. Their two objectives are to determine whether this resonant mechanism of planetesimal capture: (1) plays a role in the origin of irregular satellites, and (2) aids in the formation of protoplanetary cores of giant planets. Throughout the proposed research, Kortenkamp and Malhotra will utilize computer intensive numerical simulations. Such methods include direct N-body numerical integration, statistically based planetesimal accumulation simulations, and hybrid combinations of these two techniques. Dr. Malhotra is an associate professor teaching planetary science at the University of Arizona. Her classroom activities promote a healthy balance between research and education and provide her students with first-hand accounts of exciting new developments. Both Kortenkamp and Malhotra have a record of publishing their results not only in technical journals related to their field but also in prominent journals broadly disseminated to an interdisciplinary scientific and lay audience. Kortenkamp is also active in education and public outreach, regularly providing talks, workshops, and classes to the general public, amateur astronomers, and groups of students and teachers.***