The dynamics of tadpole and horseshoe orbits II. The coorbital satellites of saturn

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

56

Scientific paper

The recently discovered coorbital satellites of Saturn, 1980S1 and 1980S3, are shown to be librating in horseshoe orbits. By considering the effects of tangential forces on the semimajor axes of the satellite orbits, we derive an accurate relation between the sum of the satellite masses and (a) their minimum angular separation, (b) the variation of their angular separation with time and (c) the libration period. Observations of (b) and (c) are the most practical methods of determining the satellite masses. The orbits of the coorbital satellites of Dione and Tethys are discussed. We demonstrate the possibility of calculating a new value for the mass of Dione and we show that one of the coorbital satellites of Tethys could be moving in a horseshoe orbit even though another satellite is librating in a tadpole orbit about the leading Lagrangian equilibrium point L4. The origin of coorbital satellites and the stability of their orbits are discussed.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The dynamics of tadpole and horseshoe orbits II. The coorbital satellites of saturn does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The dynamics of tadpole and horseshoe orbits II. The coorbital satellites of saturn, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The dynamics of tadpole and horseshoe orbits II. The coorbital satellites of saturn will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1469389

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.