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Simulation of the Rotational Dynamics and Light Curves of Saturn’s Small Moons in the Fast Rotation Mode

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Abstract—

Based on observational data (Denk and Mottola, 2019) obtained by the interplanetary space spacecraft Cassini, we have simulated the light curves and rotational dynamics of a number of small irregular satellites of Saturn, which are in the regime of fast compared to synchronous rotation. For the Kiviuq (S24), Mundilfari (S25), Erriapus (S28), and Bestla (S39) satellites, estimates of the sizes of figures, values of inertial parameters, and initial conditions characterizing the orientation of the figures and the rotational states of the satellites for the observation epoch are obtained.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to the referee for useful remarks.

Funding

This work was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project no. 19-02-00811).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Central Astronomical Observatory, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia

    A. V. Melnikov & Yu. G. Kopylova

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  1. A. V. Melnikov
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Correspondence to A. V. Melnikov or Yu. G. Kopylova.

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Melnikov, A.V., Kopylova, Y.G. Simulation of the Rotational Dynamics and Light Curves of Saturn’s Small Moons in the Fast Rotation Mode. Sol Syst Res 56, 403–410 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0038094622050045

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0038094622050045

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