Orbits and Masses of the Satellites of the Dwarf Planet Haumea = 2003 EL61

Details Orbits and Masses of the Satellites of the Dwarf Planet Haumea = 2003 EL61 Orbits and Masses of the Satellites of the Dwarf Planet Haumea = 2003 EL61

2009-03-24

arxiv.org/abs/0903.4213v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics

12 pages, 4 figures; accepted to the Astronomical Journal See http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~darin/haumeasatsanim.gif for an anim

Scientific paper

10.1088/0004-6256/137/6/4766

Using precise relative astrometry from the Hubble Space Telescope and the W. M. Keck Telescope, we have determined the orbits and masses of the two dynamically interacting satellites of the dwarf planet (136108) Haumea, formerly 2003 EL61. The orbital parameters of Hi'iaka, the outer, brighter satellite, match well the previously derived orbit. On timescales longer than a few weeks, no Keplerian orbit is sufficient to describe the motion of the inner, fainter satellite Namaka. Using a fully-interacting three point-mass model, we have recovered the orbital parameters of both orbits and the mass of Haumea and Hi'iaka; Namaka's mass is marginally detected. The data are not sufficient to uniquely determine the gravitational quadrupole of the non-spherical primary (described by $J_2$). The nearly co-planar nature of the satellites, as well as an inferred density similar to water ice, strengthen the hypothesis that Haumea experienced a giant collision billions of years ago. The excited eccentricities and mutual inclination point to an intriguing tidal history of significant semi-major axis evolution through satellite mean-motion resonances. The orbital solution indicates that Namaka and Haumea are currently undergoing mutual events and that the mutual event season will last for the next several years.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Orbits and Masses of the Satellites of the Dwarf Planet Haumea = 2003 EL61 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 Orbits and Masses of the Satellites of the Dwarf Planet Haumea = 2003 EL61, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Orbits and Masses of the Satellites of the Dwarf Planet Haumea = 2003 EL61 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-67772