Origin and Evolution of Comets

Ten Years after the Nice Model and One Year after Rosetta

Since several decades, comets have been considered as key witnesses of solar system formation. Their nature has been explored using the modern arsenal of Earth- and space-based observations, and they hold a central place as dynamical arbiters of the planetary system in the new paradigm of solar system evolution known as the Nice Model. Thus, they have the potential to test the various ideas, using the detailed data recently gathered by the ESA/Rosetta mission. This requires an understanding of their origin and evolution, which form the subject of the present book. All the relevant issues are covered, describing both the background and the current frontiers of research.

Contents:

• Introduction
• Physical and Chemical Properties
• Comet Dynamics
• Physical Evolution in Observable Comets
• Capture of Comets
• Formation of Comet Reservoirs
• Origin of Comet Nuclei
• Outlooks

Readership: University students and researchers interested in astrophysics.
Key Features:

• Currently this is the only book that discusses the Nice Model
• This book presents a comprehensive assessment of the recent progress in the whole, broad field of research
• It offers the first picture of comet origin and evolution that appears after the amazing results of Rosetta have been digested