Kuiper Belt

The Kuiper Belt, a region of icy bodies beyond Neptune, is a key area of study for understanding solar system formation and evolution. Current research focuses on precisely mapping the belt's structure, including its mean plane and the size distribution of its constituent objects, employing advanced techniques like machine learning algorithms (e.g., MaskRCNN) for automated crater detection and analysis of large datasets. These studies aim to refine dynamical models of the solar system and provide insights into the early stages of planetary accretion, particularly concerning the population and size distribution of smaller Kuiper Belt Objects. Discrepancies in observed data, particularly concerning the belt's mean plane and the size distribution of Charon's craters, highlight the need for further investigation and improved modeling techniques.