Orbital analysis in the gravitational potential of elongated asteroids

Gutiérrez, José D. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Tresaco, Eva (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Riaguas, Andrés

Resumen: This work studies the motion around irregular elongated asteroids through two approaches. Firstly, it revisits the dipole-segment model, identifying families of periodic orbits for asymmetric mass distribution. Additionally, a new model incorporating variable density for elongated asteroids is introduced and compared to the dipole-segment model. Several families of periodic orbits have been found through continuation of planar orbits and out-of-plane bifurcation processes, obtaining results in agreement with previous studies about the dynamics around irregular asteroids. This highlights the relevance of simple mathematical models in studying asteroid dynamics and the importance of accounting for density and geometric properties. Although the families of periodic orbits studied in this work are not comprehensively sampled, they constitute an example of the variety of orbits that can be followed by a particle orbiting the asteroid, helping us to better understand the dynamics around these elongated bodies.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1007/s10509-024-04329-z

Año: 2024

Publicado en: ASTROPHYSICS AND SPACE SCIENCE 369, 7 (2024), 19 pp.
ISSN: 0004-640X

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/E24-23R
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN/PID2020-117066GB-I00
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/MICINN PRE2021-099561

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Matemática Aplicada (Dpto. Matemática Aplicada)