The stability of the rotational motion of a nonspherical natural satellite in an elliptical orbit in a synchronous spin-orbital resonance is studied. The axis of rotation of a satellite is assumed to coincide with the axis of its maximum moment of inertia and to be orthogonal to the orbital plane. On the plane of the inertial parameters (A/C, B/C), where A, B, and C (A < B < Q are the principal moments of inertia, the boundaries of regions of stability and instability with respect to tilting the axis of rotation are determined by calculating the multiplicators of linearized Hamiltonian equations of motion. High resolution, achieved in the determination of the boundaries of these regions, makes it possible to impose additional constraints on the values of inertial parameters for Hyperion and, in the case of Amalthea, to draw a conclusion on the instability of its relative motion with respect to tilting the axis of rotation in one of two possible synchronous resonances.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)434-442
Number of pages9
JournalSolar System Research
Volume34
Issue number5
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2000

    Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

ID: 45989718