Determine the origin of diffusion in detached and Sedna-like TNO distributions

Determine whether the observed diffusion of initially distinct dynamical features among detached and Sedna-like trans-Neptunian objects results from genuine physical processes or numerical artefacts of the simulation methodology.

Background

The long-term simulations find that detached and Sedna-like trans-Neptunian objects undergo negligible overall dynamical evolution because their large semimajor axes keep them beyond the effective scattering influence of the known giant planets. However, regions with high TNO concentrations become more diffuse over time, despite the general stability of these populations.

The paper does not resolve whether this diffusion reflects real dynamical processes or numerical effects. Resolving the issue requires targeted investigations of the numerical methodology and the relevant physical mechanisms.

References

At present, it remains uncertain whether this phenomenon reflects genuine physical processes or is due to numerical artefacts inherent to the simulation methodology. More targeted investigation is required to resolve this ambiguity.

— Trans-Neptunian Object dynamics even better explained by a stellar flyby after 4.5 Gyr of evolution  (2609.03575 - Pfalzner et al., 3 Sep 2026) in Section 4.4, “Detached, Sedna-like, and retrograde TNOs”