Satellite Breakups Research Articles

On the heterogeneous appearance of Saturn's rings at high optical resolution

Shoemaker and Terrile have shown that several small satellites can be the parents of Saturn's rings and have suggested these as the origin of the broad systematic differences in the photometric properties of the rings. Dramatic variations on the smallest scales appear in the images obtained from Voyager. The variations of the surface of Enceladus suggest the importance of differentiation of satellites heated by tidal action maintained by resonances, as pointed out by C.M. Yoder. Subsequent break-up of such satellites, either under a large impact or under increasing tidal action of Saturn as its mass increased, would have yielded a mixture of different crustal and interior materials with different spectra of sizes and masses. We shall discuss the possible role of radial differentiation of particles in terms of their masses initiated by the combined activity of instabilities discussed long ago by Maxwell and by Cook and Franklin with those proposed recently by Ward and by Lin and Bodenheimer. In this way, we may reach an explanation of variations on the smallest scales. Comparison will be made with the expected behaviour of a primary accretion disk composed of a uniform distribution of material.

Fragmentation of asteroids and artificial satellites in orbit

In this paper we develop expressions for the probability density in the orbital elements resulting from a spherical explosion in orbit. The usual power law mass distribution is employed, and it is assumed that equipartition holds among velocity dispersions and masses. The asteroid families Themis, Eos, and Coronis (at least) show an envelope in the semimajor axis-diameter plane which is completely characteristic of equipartition in an explosion event. Equipartition is observed to break down when the imparted energy density exceeds about 10 8 ergs/g, and further fragmentation becomes the dominant mode of energy usage. The data for several satellite breakups in Earth orbit are then examined, providing further direct evidence of equipartition and checking the probability functions previously derived. The observation of similarities between satellite breakups and asteroid families leads to the conclusion that the asteroid families are also the result of catastrophic fragmentation events.

Origin of Tektites

A comet of the size recently postulated by H. C. Urey would leave a large crater. It is shown, from aerodynamic theory, from observations of distribution around terrestrial impact craters, and from experimental nuclear explosions, that the observed distribution of tektites cannot be the result of impact on the earth, whether cometary or meteoritic. It is further shown, from aerodynamic theory, from observation of a meteor shower, and from study of the breakup of artificial satellites, that the distribution of tektites can be accounted for as a result of fusion stripping of a satellite, as originally suggested by Suess.

Origin of Tektites

A comet of the size recently postulated by H. C. Urey would leave a large crater. It is shown, from aerodynamic theory, from observations of distribution around terrestrial impact craters, and from experimental nuclear explosions, that the observed distribution of tektites cannot be the result of impact on the earth, whether cometary or meteoritic. It is further shown, from aerodynamic theory, from observation of a meteor shower, and from study of the breakup of artificial satellites, that the distribution of tektites can be accounted for as a result of fusion stripping of a satellite, as originally suggested by Suess.