Equilibrium Nonsynchronous Rotation of Titan

William D. Sears; Jonathan I. Lunine; Richard Greenberg

doi:10.1006/icar.1993.1123

Equilibrium Nonsynchronous Rotation of Titan

William D. Sears, Jonathan I. Lunine, Richard Greenberg

Planetary Sciences

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

A satellite on an eccentric orbit experiences a zero net tidal torque when the rotation is slightly faster than synchronous, if there is no significant permanent asymmetry. Calculations indicate that for Titan this period should be 15.82 to 15.93 days, depending on the tidal dissipation model. This range includes the period recently determined by radar observations. A water-ice highland plateau with a diameter of less than 180 km standing just above the expected hydrocarbon ocean is consistent with both the radar data and the asymmetry constraints.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	259-262
Number of pages	4
Journal	Icarus
Volume	105
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1006/icar.1993.1123
State	Published - 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Astronomy and Astrophysics
Space and Planetary Science

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title = "Equilibrium Nonsynchronous Rotation of Titan",

abstract = "A satellite on an eccentric orbit experiences a zero net tidal torque when the rotation is slightly faster than synchronous, if there is no significant permanent asymmetry. Calculations indicate that for Titan this period should be 15.82 to 15.93 days, depending on the tidal dissipation model. This range includes the period recently determined by radar observations. A water-ice highland plateau with a diameter of less than 180 km standing just above the expected hydrocarbon ocean is consistent with both the radar data and the asymmetry constraints.",

author = "Sears, {William D.} and Lunine, {Jonathan I.} and Richard Greenberg",

year = "1993",

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AU - Sears, William D.

AU - Lunine, Jonathan I.

AU - Greenberg, Richard

PY - 1993

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AB - A satellite on an eccentric orbit experiences a zero net tidal torque when the rotation is slightly faster than synchronous, if there is no significant permanent asymmetry. Calculations indicate that for Titan this period should be 15.82 to 15.93 days, depending on the tidal dissipation model. This range includes the period recently determined by radar observations. A water-ice highland plateau with a diameter of less than 180 km standing just above the expected hydrocarbon ocean is consistent with both the radar data and the asymmetry constraints.

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Equilibrium Nonsynchronous Rotation of Titan

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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