1. From Jupiter-family to Encke-like orbits
- Author
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E. M. Pittich, Germano D'Abramo, and Giovanni B. Valsecchi
- Subjects
Orbital elements ,Jupiter ,Physics ,Gravitation ,Mean motion ,Key factors ,Space and Planetary Science ,Planet ,Physics::Space Physics ,Resonance ,Astronomy and Astrophysics ,Astrophysics::Earth and Planetary Astrophysics ,Astrophysics - Abstract
We investigate numerically the transfer routes from Jupiter-family towards Encke-like cometary orbits, including in the model all the planets as well as non-gravitational forces. The numerical integrations are started from orbital elements similar to those of 2P/Encke, changing the perihelion distance q, to obtain starting orbits in the Jupiter family, and the non-gravitational parameter A2. The results show that some of the model orbits reach the Encke-like stage within a reasonable time, comparable to a typical active cometary lifetime; along the way, at the crossing of mean motion resonances with Jupiter, temporary captures in resonance may occur. Thus, resonances and non-gravitational forces appear to be key factors in the transfer of orbits from the Jupiter family to the Encke region.
- Published
- 2004
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