Results 161 to 170 of about 151,283 (199)

Frequencies of Occultations of Stars by Planets, Satellites, and Asteroids

Science, 1972
Calculations show that several occultations of stars by the large satellites of the outer planets, Pluto, and the large asteroids could be observed each decade with existing equipment at Earth-based telescopes. A systematic program of occultation predictions and observations is urged in order to improve our knowledge about the atmospheres, sizes ...
openaire   +2 more sources

Attitude dynamics of satellites orbiting an asteroid

The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, 2006
Attitude motion of satellites orbiting an asteroid is examined. The highly irregular shape of the asteroids along with their rotational states can lead to very interesting attitude dynamics. As a start, the case of uniform rotation of the asteroid is examined and attention is focused on planar attitude motion (pitch).
Arun K. Misra, Yulia Panchenko
openaire   +1 more source

Structural integrity of rubble asteroidal satellites

Icarus, 2019
Abstract We investigate the structural integrity of asynchronous, rubble asteroidal satellites, which may or may not be in synchronous motion, by identifying necessary conditions for the structural equilibrium of such objects. Asynchronous motion may occur when the satellite’s rotation rate about its mass center does not match its orbital angular ...
openaire   +1 more source

Shapes and gravitational moments of satellites and asteroids

Icarus, 1979
Abstract The shapes and gravitational moments of tidally and rotationally distorted satellites with nonuniform internal density distributions are calculated. Spacecraft determinations of the radii and (a) the gravitational moments of some satellites of Jupiter and Saturn, particularly Io, Ganymede and Titan or (b) the shapes of some others ...
openaire   +1 more source

The stable region of satellites of large asteroids

Icarus, 1988
Abstract Numerical experiments show that retrograde satellites can exist almost twice as far from a minor planet as direct satellites in the elliptic restricted four-body problem. The orbital eccentricity of the minor planet decreases the stable region of its satellite.
S.-P. Zhang, K.A. Innanen
openaire   +1 more source

Topography on satellite surfaces and the shape of asteroids

Icarus, 1973
Consideration of the topography and shape of incompressible, nonrotating, isothermal, spherical objects as an approach to the study of the topography and shape of smaller planetary bodies. A static model and a creep deformation model are applied in the process.
T.V. Johnson, T.R. McGetchin
openaire   +1 more source

Collisions and Gravitational Reaccumulation: Forming Asteroid Families and Satellites

Science, 2001
Numerical simulations of the collisional disruption of large asteroids show that although the parent body is totally shattered, subsequent gravitational reaccumulation leads to the formation of an entire family of large and small objects with dynamical properties similar to those of the parent body.
P, Michel, W, Benz, P, Tanga, D C, Richardson   +3 more
openaire   +2 more sources

Fragmentation of asteroids and artificial satellites in orbit

Icarus, 1978
Abstract In this paper we develop expressions for the probability density in the orbital elements resulting from a spherical explosion in orbit. The usual power law mass distribution is employed, and it is assumed that equipartition holds among velocity dispersions and masses. The asteroid families Themis, Eos, and Coronis (at least) show an envelope
openaire   +1 more source

The Formation of Asteroidal Satellites in Catastrophic Collisions

Icarus, 1996
Abstract Numerical simulations of the initial stages of the expanding debris field resulting from the disruption of a parent asteroid show that the formation of co-orbiting fragments and even contact binaries is a natural outcome of catastrophic collisions between asteroids.
openaire   +1 more source

Asteroids' satellites in Gaia astrometric data

It is known to the astronomical community that asteroids with satellites are not uncommon in the Solar System. So far we have more than 500 documented asteroid systems encompassing binaries, pairs and multiples[1]. Yet, amidst this group of objects, several others remain enigmatic due to the challenges in observation and detection with conventional ...
Luana Liberato, Paolo Tanga, David Mary
openaire   +1 more source