Inclination of satellite orbits about an oblate precessing planet (original) (raw)
NASA/ADS
Abstract
Equations are derived which govern the rate of change of the inclination of a satellite orbit to the equator of an oblate precessing planet. It is shown that if the motion of the satellite's ascending node on the equator plane has a period which is short when compared with the planet's precession period then the satellite's orbit will maintain a constant inclination to the planet's equator. This criterion is satisfied by many satel- lite orbits in the solar system. These include all satellites whose orbit planes lie in their planets' equator planes. In addition, it is shown that changes in the planet's obliquity, which are slow when compared with the satellite's nodal period, will also not affect a satellite's inclination to the equator plane of its planet. Finally a theory of the origin of natural satellites is proposed which accounts for their inclinations at the present time.
Publication:
The Astronomical Journal
Pub Date:
February 1965
DOI:
Bibcode: