Dynamical Stability of the F Ring Core and Moonlet Belt

Physics

Scientific paper

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[6265] Planetary Sciences: Solar System Objects / Planetary Rings

Scientific paper

The stability of the F ring core has yet to be adequately established. We further work similar to Scargle, J. & Cuzzi, J., et al. (1993, Dynamical Evolution of Saturn's Rings, BAAS 25, 1103) through the orbital evolution of test particles in the F ring region in order to explore how Prometheus and Pandora control the position and perhaps even the fate of this unique ring. The F ring was once thought to be shepherded (Goldreich & Tremaine ARAA 1982, 20:249-83) but now it is clearer that it exhibits signs of chaos (Scargle et al., 1993, Winter, O. C., et al., 2007, MNRAS, 380, L54, and Winter, O.C., et al., 2010, A&A, 523, A67). Our work also sheds light on the evolution of the ~1km sized embedded moonlets ('clumps') which wreak havoc on the ring through encounters with Prometheus, creating gaps in the ring ('streaks')(Murray, C. D., et al., 2008, Nature, 453, 7196, 739-744). We present results pertaining to the stability of the F ring core, using a three-pronged approach consisting of N-body numerical simulations, analytical modeling, and detection and analysis of chaotic orbits with Lyapunov Residuals. Our results find narrow regions that are substantially more stable near the Bosh et al. (2002, Icarus 157, 57-75) core location, which we argue may explain the current location of the F ring.

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