On the stability of Laplace resonance for Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede)

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the application of recent ansatz for estimation of stability of the Laplace resonance for Galilean moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede). We estimate over time the eccentricity + semi–major axis in a binary system experiencing the net tidal friction, including the additional tidal heating which comes from the transformation of net transfer of angular momentum between the Galilean moons of Jupiter (due to dynamical features of the Laplace resonance). Presumably, there should be a net transfer of angular momentum between Io and Europa (for the reason that tidal heating on Ganymede seems to be negligible with respect to Io and Europa). We established the fact that Laplace resonance should be valid and stable on a timescale of centuries in the future, but there might be chaotic perturbations less than 0.1\% for the accuracy of such phenomenon. Moreover, the presented ansatz can be used to predict a scheme for optimizing the maneuvers of spacecrafts in the vicinity of Ganymede (due to absence of net transfer of angular momentum between Ganymede and other Galilean moons). The main conclusion stems from previously suggested approach (\cite{ershkov2017tidal

Keywords

• Tidal dissipation
• galilean satellites of Jupiter
• Laplace resonance
• net transfer of angular momentum