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M.E. Brown (Caltech)
We present a robust method for measuring the average plane of the Kuiper belt. The derived plane has an inclination with respect to the ecliptic of 1.8 degrees and an ascending node of 81 degrees, with a 1 sigma error in pole position of the plane of 0.51 degrees. The plane of the Kuiper belt is inconsistent with the invariable plane at the 2.3 sigma level. Using linear secular perturbation theory, we show that the plane of the Kuiper belt is expected to oscillate about the position of the invariable plane with a period of 6.4 x 105 years and an amplitude of 0.9 degrees. The present predicted position of the plane of the Kuiper belt is within 0.2 degrees of our measured position.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35 #4
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.