Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
May 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008cemda.101...31m&link_type=abstract
Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, Volume 101, Issue 1-2, pp. 31-47
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
3
Resonances, Chaotic Motion, Rotational Dynamics, Satellites Of Saturn: Prometheus, Pandora, Chaotic Satellite Rotation
Scientific paper
Possible rotation states of two satellites of Saturn, Prometheus (S16) and Pandora (S17), are studied by means of numerical experiments. The attitude stability of all possible modes of synchronous rotation and the motion close to these modes is analyzed by means of computation of the Lyapunov spectra of the motion. The stability analysis confirms that the rotation of Prometheus and Pandora might be chaotic, though the possibility of regular behaviour is not excluded. For the both satellites, the attitude instability zones form series of concentric belts enclosing the main synchronous resonance center in the phase space sections. A hypothesis is put forward that these belts might form “barriers” for capturing the satellites in synchronous rotation. The satellites in chaotic rotation can mimic ordinary regular synchronous behaviour: they preserve preferred orientation for long periods of time, the largest axis of satellite’s figure being directed approximately towards Saturn.
Melnikov Alexander V.
Shevchenko Ivan I.
No associations
LandOfFree
On the rotational dynamics of Prometheus and Pandora 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 On the rotational dynamics of Prometheus and Pandora, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the rotational dynamics of Prometheus and Pandora will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1537188