What does this research mean for the field?

A hypothetical trans-Neptunian perturber is optimally configured with a mass of 6 Earth masses and a semi-major axis of 75 au to satisfy Kuiper-cliff constraints. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to evaluate the characteristics of a hypothetical trans-Neptunian perturber affecting the Kuiper belt.

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May 16, 2026Open Access

Kuiper Cliff Constraints on a Trans-Neptunian Perturber: A Two-Dimensional Mass–Distance Sweep with ATMAN v5.0 Paper III

Key Points

This research aims to evaluate the characteristics of a hypothetical trans-Neptunian perturber affecting the Kuiper belt.
Conducted a two-dimensional parameter sweep over mass (1–10 M⊕) and semi-major axis (50–150 au).
Utilized the Kuiper-cliff CKBO metric implemented in ATMAN v5.0.
Identified Solution A at 2.5 M⊕ and 100 au with a consonance of 1.000 and p=8.53%.
Solution B at 6 M⊕ and 75 au had a combined score of 0.609 and a superior depletion proxy of 0.850, making it the preferred configuration.

Abstract

(Abstract) We present a two-dimensional parameter sweep over mass (1–10 M⊕) and semi-major axis (50–150 au) for a hypothetical trans-Neptunianperturber, using the Kuiper-cliff CKBO metric implemented inATMAN v5. 0. Two candidate solutions emerge: Solution A (2. 5 M⊕, a=100 au, consonance=1. 000, p=8. 53%) and Solution B (6 M⊕, a=75 au, combined score=0. 609, depletion proxy=0. 850). Solution B is identified as the preferred configuration on the basisof its superior depletion proxy and combined score. This is Paper IIIof the ATMAN v5. 0 series. Author: Ariel Fernando Martini, Buenos Aires, Argentina (2026). Contact: arielₘartini₃@hotmail. com

Kuiper Cliff Constraints on a Trans-Neptunian Perturber: A Two-Dimensional Mass–Distance Sweep with ATMAN v5.0 Paper III

Key Points

Abstract

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