The Obliquity of Jupiter
Abstract
The spin-axis precession period of Jupiter is near that of a fundamental Laplace-Lagrange solar system mode describing the precession of Uranus's orbit plane (~4.3×105 yr). As a result, a portion of the 3.1d obliquity of Jupiter may actually be forced by a spin-orbit secular resonance with Uranus. If this portion predominates, it allows for a constraint on Jupiter's moment of inertia that is independent of interior models.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- March 2006
- DOI:
- 10.1086/503156
- Bibcode:
- 2006ApJ...640L..91W
- Keywords:
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- Celestial Mechanics;
- Planets and Satellites: Individual: Jupiter;
- Solar System: General