Skip to main content
All Reviews
Astronomy
intermediate

Numerous Weak Resonances Drive Asteroids toward Terrestrial Planets Orbits

A. Morbidelli & D. Nesvorný (1999)

Published
Jun 1, 1999
Journal
Icarus · Vol. 139 · No. 2
DOI
10.1006/icar.1999.6097

At a GlanceAI

Shows that many weak mean-motion resonances can cumulatively push asteroids onto Earth-crossing orbits.

SummaryAI

The study argues that asteroid transport toward terrestrial-planet-crossing orbits can be driven not only by a few strong resonances, but by a web of numerous weak mean-motion resonances. By emphasizing the cumulative role of these subtle dynamical pathways, it broadens the standard picture of how near-Earth asteroids are supplied from the main belt. The implication is that the delivery of impactor populations may be more spatially widespread and dynamically complex than models focused on only the strongest resonances.

Method SnapshotAI

Dynamical analysis of asteroid orbital evolution under the influence of multiple mean-motion resonances.

BackgroundAI

Celestial mechanics and mean-motion resonance dynamics in the asteroid belt and near-Earth region.