Abstract

Based on data for twelve recently discovered outer satellites of Saturn, we investigate their orbital evolution on long time scales. For our analysis, we use the previously obtained general solution of Hill’s double-averaged problem, which was refined for libration orbits, and numerical integration of the averaged system of equations in elements with allowance for Saturn’s orbital evolution. The following basic quantitative parameters of evolving orbits are determined: extreme eccentricities and inclinations, as well as circulation periods of the pericenter arguments and of the longitudes of the ascending nodes. For four new satellite orbits, we have revealed the libration pattern of variations in pericenter arguments and determined the ranges and periods of their variations. Based on characteristic features of the orbits of Saturn’s new satellites, we propose their natural classification.

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