The structure and evolution of the Solar System comet cloud

Abstract

The structure and evolution of a hypothetical cloud of comets surrounding the Solar System is investigated, with particular reference to showing how the derived results depend on the assumed cometary energy and velocity distribution functions. The mean energy transfer rate by stars and giant molecular clouds is calculated and it is shown that for reasonable values of the parameters the cumulative effect of the clouds is dominant. Thus it is unlikely that the loosely-bound Oort comet cloud could survive for the age of the Solar System.