Rotation and the internal structures of the major planets and their inner satellites

Details Rotation and the internal structures of the major planets and their inner satellites Rotation and the internal structures of the major planets and their inner satellites

Nov 1984

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1984rspta.313..123d&link_type=abstract

(Royal Society, Discussion on Rotation in the Solar System, London, England, Mar. 8, 9, 1984) Royal Society (London), Philosophi

Physics

14

Gas Giant Planets, Natural Satellites, Planetary Rotation, Planetary Structure, Enceladus, Io, Mimas, Miranda, Neptune (Planet), Uranus (Planet), Uranus Rings

Scientific paper

Measurements of the rotational periods coupled with those of the masses, the mean radii, and the shapes or the gravitational moments (J2 and J4) enable important constraints to be placed on the internal structures of some remote bodies. Values of J2 for Uranus and Neptune have been calculated from the observed precession rates of the narrow eccentric and inclined Uranian rings and of the orbit of Triton, Neptune's massive satellite. Recent observations of the motions of spots have yielded reliable rotational periods for these planets. These observations are used to show that Uranus and Neptune may have quite different internal structures. The shapes of satellites that are close to their primaries may yield information on the degree of internal differentiation of these bodies. Io, Mimas, Enceladus, and Miranda are of interest in this respect. Residuals in the observed precession rates of the Uranian rings, about 0.005 deg/day, that cannot be accounted for by the best-fit model of J2 and J4 may be related directly to observed irregular variations in ring width of magnitude over 2 km and may indicate the existence of shepherding satellites with mass ratios of over 10 to the -10th. If this is the case, then the effects of these satellites on the precession rates of the rings will result in an appreciable uncertainty in the value of J4 for Uranus.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Rotation and the internal structures of the major planets and their inner satellites 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 Rotation and the internal structures of the major planets and their inner satellites, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rotation and the internal structures of the major planets and their inner satellites will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1757057