Past and future orbit of 1977 UB, object Chiron.
Abstract
The paths of the sun, object Chiron (1977 UB), and the five outer planets are computed, starting at epoch and using an implicit Runge-Kutta integrator that is accurate to 15th order in the step size. It is found that Chiron's orbit is not stable, that Saturn controls Chiron's orbit, that there is some correlation in the sign and size of successive perturbations, and that any longer integration is only of statistical significance. A more extensive set of independently started integrations is performed, employing an asymmetric distribution function and making 60 independent starts. The results for about 230,000 revolutions indicate that there is about one chance in eight that Saturn will expel Chiron from the solar system on a hyperbolic orbit, while the chances are about seven in eight that Chiron's orbit will evolve inward toward Jupiter's control. An asymmetry in the distribution of perturbations is described which makes inward evolution of the orbit more likely than outward evolution.
- Publication:
-
The Astronomical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1979
- DOI:
- 10.1086/112399
- Bibcode:
- 1979AJ.....84..134O
- Keywords:
-
- Asteroids;
- Numerical Integration;
- Orbit Perturbation;
- Saturn (Planet);
- Solar Orbits;
- Asymmetry;
- Jupiter (Planet);
- Orbit Calculation;
- Orbital Elements;
- CHIRON;
- SATURN;
- ORBITS;
- REVOLUTION;
- PERTURBATIONS;
- JUPITER;
- PERIHELION;
- ASYMMETRY;
- ASTEROIDS;
- URANUS;
- Astronomy; Asteroids;
- Minor Planets:Orbits