Spinny TNO Triples: New Analyses of the Spin+Orbit Dynamics of Haumea and 1996 TC36

We propose to analyze archival data of Trans-Neptunian triples Haumea and 1996 TC36. The analysis requires a new dynamical analysis code focused on providing increased understanding of HST data. This code will allow for fast short-term orbital integration of multiple bodies, including the evolution of their spin periods and will be made publicly available. It will be applied to HST data from 8 Programs to: 1) detect or place upper limits on the photocenter variations of Haumea; 2) detect or place limits on the oblquity-induced precession of Hi'iaka, the outer satellite of Haumea; 3) determine the full n-body orbits of 1996 TC36 and interpret the implication of these results on the formation of this unique system; and 4) investigate the spin dynamics possible in the 1996 TC36 system to explain the elusive photometric variability of this target. The proposed work is a straightforward extension of previous analyses by the proposal team and, by focusing on information-rich triples, will improve our understanding of the formation and evolution of the outer solar system.