Physics
Scientific paper
Oct 1982
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1982m%26p....27..179b&link_type=abstract
Moon and the Planets, vol. 27, Oct. 1982, p. 179-185.
Physics
1
Asteroids, Planetary Rotation, Planetology, Angular Momentum, Diameters, Natural Satellites
Scientific paper
Axial rotations of asteroids and the possibility that asteroids have satellites are examined in the framework of a theory of planetary axial rotation. The planetary theory holds that particles trapped within the gravitational field of a central body will establish orbits where first collisions and then coalescence occur, happening quickest in the nearest orbits. It is expected that the direction of rotation of the primary will be the same as the prevailing direction of rotation of the satellites, thus allowing material and angular momentum to be transmitted from the satellites to the primary. The transmission is noted to take place through a gravitational tidal effect. Phenomena which may arise when the satellites approach the Roche limit are discussed. A formula for the density of the last disintegrated satellite is defined and used to study the axial rotation of major asteroids. It is shown analytically that most large asteroids could have or could have had satellite systems, which are potential candidates for exploration with spacecraft.
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