Thermal evolution models of Kuiper Belt Objects.

Abstract. The outer solar system region, known as Kuiper Belt, should contain primi-tive bodies, probably among the most primitive objects of the solar system. They seem to be volatile rich objects showing strong relation to comets: the Kuiper belt is probably the source of most short period comets and Centaurs. The Kuiper belt objects could still con-tain ices and organic compounds with the same proportion as in the epoch of their formation from the primordial solar nebula. Thermal models of bodies moving on Kuiper belt orbits have been developed to follow their evolution and differentiation and to better understand the relations between them and the short period comets and Centaurs. Key words. comets: general, Kuiper Belt, planets and satellites: formation