Dynamical Studies of Planetary Satellites

Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio TX

Investigators

Abstract

AST 0074163 Dones This research project of Dr. Henry Dones, at the Southwest Research Institute, deals with the origin and evolution of the small satellites of the giant planets. It concentrates on those objects that are believed to be collisional shards and those classified as irregular satellites. These objects are not well understood, and yet the understanding of their origin and evolution will provide vital clues to the formation of the planets themselves. In particular, the study of these small satellites could supply important insights into the accretion physics of icy bodies. In addition, they could provide important constraints on the current and historical distribution of small bodies throughout the outer solar system. These constraints can be used to better understand the ages of the surfaces of the major regular satellites, as well as the history of the Kuiper Belt and the scattered disk of comets beyond Neptune. This award is made through the Planetary Astronomy Program. ***