Pluto-Charon binary system dynamics

• Grant number: 09/18262-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: November 01, 2010
• End date: March 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Astronomy - Solar System Astronomy
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Maria Giuliatti Winter
• Grantee: Pryscilla Maria Pires dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEG). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Guaratinguetá. Guaratinguetá , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this project the orbital evolution of a sample of dust particles under the gravitational effects of Pluto-Charon-Nix-Hydra and the solar radiation pressure will be analysed through a sample of numerical simulations. This analysis will help to estimate a value of Pluto's gravity coefficient J2. It will be also analysed the fate of a sample of hypothetical satellites, similar to Nix and Hydra, during the close approach with one of the giant planets. This close approach will take place during the migration process proposed by Tsiganis et al (2005) (Nice Model). The results will be compared with the model proposed concerning the formation of the satellites Nix and Hydra or undetected new satellites and a ring system of the Pluto system. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

PIRES DOS SANTOS, P. M.; GIULIATTI WINTER, S. M.; SFAIR, R.; MOURAO, D. C.. Small particles in Pluto's environment: effects of the solar radiation pressure. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, v. 430, n. 4, p. 2761-2767, APR 2013. (09/18262-6)