On the Rotation of Co-orbital Bodies in Eccentric Orbits

On the rotation of co-orbital bodies in eccentric orbits

Authors:

Leleu et al

Abstract:

We investigate the resonant rotation of co-orbital bodies in eccentric and planar orbits. We develop a simple analytical model to study the impact of the eccentricity and orbital perturbations on the spin dynamics. We show there are three different families of spin-orbit resonances, one depending on the eccentricity, one depending on the orbital libration frequency, and another depending on the motion of the pericenter. The final rotation can be captured in any of these resonances. In some regions of the phase space the resonant islands may overlap, giving rise to chaotic rotation.