Decrease in Spin Rate of Mars Due to Tidal Torques Exerted by PHOBOS and Sun
Abstract
The tidal secular decrease in the angular velocity of the rotation of Mars is computed on the basis of the total angular momentum tidal balance in the Mars-Phobos-sun system. The decrease is found to be -5.5 X 10 to the -6th rad/sq cy. It is found that the decrease is mostly due to the tidal torque exerted by the sun, whereas the positive acceleration due to Phobos is negligibly small.
- Publication:
-
Bulletin of the Astronomical Institutes of Czechoslovakia
- Pub Date:
- May 1988
- Bibcode:
- 1988BAICz..39..168B
- Keywords:
-
- Mars (Planet);
- Phobos;
- Planetary Rotation;
- Secular Variations;
- Sun;
- Tides;
- Angular Velocity;
- Spin Dynamics;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration