LIBRATION OF THE CLOSE APPROACHES OF PLUTO TO NEPTUNE,
Abstract
The orbits of the five outer planets were computed by special perturbations over 120,000 years. There was revealed a remarkable libration of the close approaches of Pluto to Neptune such that the distance between the bodies is never less than 18 AU. The mechanism of the libration is described. It is concluded that the orbit of Pluto is safe from very close approaches to Neptune and no particular instability results from the fact that the radius of perihelion of Pluto is less than the radius of the orbit of Neptune. The period of the oscillation is about 19,670 years and the amplitude is about 76 degress. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 03, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0603463
Entities
People
- C. J. Cohen
- E. C. Hubbard
Organizations
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division