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Conditions for Pulsar Planet Formation346 views
Author
Horner, Michele, Astronomy, University of Virginia
Advisors
Arras, Phil, Astronomy, University of Virginia
Abstract
This paper outlines the conditions for planet formation around pulsars. A common model proposes the fallback of mass after an initial supernova explosion, which occurs as a reverse shock propagates the inward accretion of a fraction of bound material back onto the surface of the star. The initial fallback mass spreads and simultaneously decreases in surface density, during which planet formation may take place at sufficiently cool temperatures. The existence of these conditions, and the availability of material to form planets, depends on the time since the initial fallback as well as the fallback radius from the central star. By modeling the profile of a pulsar accretion disk and using solar estimates for dust settling time and planetary isolation mass, we may predict the conditions for the evolution of planetesimals in a pulsar system.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Pulsar; Planet; Fallback; Accretion
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Horner, Michele. Conditions for Pulsar Planet Formation. University of Virginia, Astronomy, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2021-05-14, https://doi.org/10.18130/zg0p-3q52.