Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Sep 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002dps....34.2808w&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS Meeting #34, #28.08; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 34, p.890
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
1
Scientific paper
The obliquities of Jupiter and Saturn are 3.12 degrees and 26.73 degrees, respectively. If both planets formed via hydrodynamic inflow of gas onto pre-existing cores, why are these values so dissimilar? Random obliquities of the cores could not themselves account for this difference. We propose instead that Saturn's obliquity is a post-formation trait due to a secular spin-orbit resonance with Neptune, and that Saturn is still locked into this state today. The resonance involves a 1:1 commensurability between Saturn's spin axis precession rate and the ν 18 secular frequency of the solar system (1.87 x 106 year period) that is the primary term in the precession of Neptune's orbital node. A simple analytic theory is presented that explains the effects of resonance passage and what is required for Saturn capture and evolution to a ~ 27 degree obliquity.
Hamilton Douglas P.
Ward William R.
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