The dynamics of the G ring of Saturn: the satellite Aegaeon and the arc
| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Total Authors: 4
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| Affiliation: | [1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Grp Dinam Orbital & Planetol, BR-12516410 Guaratingueta - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
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| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society; v. 475, n. 4, p. 5474-5479, APR 2018. |
| Web of Science Citations: | 2 |
| Abstract | |
The G ring arc hosts the smallest satellite of Saturn, Aegaeon, observed with a set of images sent by Cassini spacecraft. Along with Aegaeon, the arc particles are trapped in a 7:6 corotation eccentric resonance with the satellite Mimas. Due to this resonance, both Aegaeon and the arc material are confined to within 60 degrees of corotating longitudes. The arc particles are dust grains which can have their orbital motions severely disturbed by the solar radiation force. Our numerical simulations showed that Aegaeon is responsible for depleting the arc dust population by removing them through collisions. The solar radiation force hastens these collisions by removing most of the 10 mu m sized grains in less than 40 yr. Some debris released from Aegaeon's surface by meteoroid impacts can populate the arc. However, it would take 30 000 yr for Aegaeon to supply the observed amount of arc material, and so it is unlikely that Aegaeon alone is the source of dust in the arc. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 16/24488-0 - Orbital evolution study of particles in Lindblad and corotation resonances and under influence of coorbitals sattelites: planetary arcs application |
| Grantee: | Gustavo Oliveira Madeira |
| Support type: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |