Lunar librations due to core-mantle couplings

Statistics – Computation

Scientific paper

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Scientific paper

We present a study of the dynamical behavior of a molten core inside the Moon related to the mantle by inertial coupling. In order to integrate the lunar core-mantle interaction in a realistic model of the Moon's rotation, we have used our SONYR (acronym of Spin-Orbit N-bodY Relativistic) model of the solar System including the Moon's spin-orbit motion. This model was previously built in accordance with the requirements of the Lunar Laser Ranging observational accuracy. We have extended this model to the spin-orbit couplings of the terrestrial planets in order to compare different dynamical behaviors of core-mantle interactions in these planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars). Presence of a liquid or melted core inside the Moon has been alleged since a long time and this possibility has been discussed in several papers. In our first model, the lunar core being simply related to the mantle by inertial coupling, it is sufficient to assume a slight differential rotation of the core. Our core-mantle mechanism prove to be adequate to excite the two resonant frequencies of the lunar physical librations, namely 2.9 and 80.1 years. Signature of such a core whith a 1/10 homothetic ratio appears clearly on the proper rotation angle; the amplitude is around 12 mas (milliarcseconds) and its period 2.9 years. According to the chosen value of the lunar nucleus radius R, the resulting amplitudes L for the libration vary as follows~: 10 mas <= L <= 1000 mas for 150 km <= R <= 450 km. Besides, we present results obtained for various initial nutations of the core relatively to the polar axis of the Moon. Other computations and comparisons are in progress involving Mercury, the Earth and Mars.

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