Series expansions for encounter-type solutions of Hill's problem

Abstract

Hill's problem is defined as the limiting case of the planar three-body problem when two of the masses are very small. This paper describes analytic developments for encounter-type solutions, in which the two small bodies approach each other from an initially large distance, interact for a while, and separate. It is first pointed out that, contrary to prevalent belief, Hill's problem is not a particular case of the restricted problem, but rather a different problem with the same degree of generality. Then we develop series expansions which allow an accurate representation of the asymptotic motion of the two small bodies in the approach and departure phases. For small impact distances, we show that the whole orbit has an adiabatic invariant, which is explicitly computed in the form of a series. For large impact distances, the motion can be approximately described by a perturbation theory, originally due to Goldreich and Tremaine and rederived here in the context of Hill's problem.