The stability of the present configuration of Uranus' rings is discussed, and a possible global model for their formation and evolution is proposed. A ring mass assuring the stability of the epsilon-ring against differential precession is derived and shown to be consistent with that obtained by Goldreich and Tremaine (1979). The long-term stability of the rings against collisional broadening is discussed, and it is shown that the assumption of confinement due only to self-gravitation requires an unacceptably high ring mass, leading to the suggestion that some other confining mechanism is at work. A possible scenario for the origin of the ring system as a result of the tidal break-up of a satellite within the Roche limit is then described.
Asteroidal binary systems: Detection and formation
FARINELLA, PAOLO;PAOLICCHI, PAOLO
1980-01-01
Abstract
The stability of the present configuration of Uranus' rings is discussed, and a possible global model for their formation and evolution is proposed. A ring mass assuring the stability of the epsilon-ring against differential precession is derived and shown to be consistent with that obtained by Goldreich and Tremaine (1979). The long-term stability of the rings against collisional broadening is discussed, and it is shown that the assumption of confinement due only to self-gravitation requires an unacceptably high ring mass, leading to the suggestion that some other confining mechanism is at work. A possible scenario for the origin of the ring system as a result of the tidal break-up of a satellite within the Roche limit is then described.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
