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G. S. Novak (UC Santa Cruz)
We explore the possible configurations for coplanar planets in co-orbital resonance and discuss the implications for extrasolar planet searches. We use an estimate of the Lyapunov time to map the available parameter space of orbit eccentricities and orientations and characterize the major regions with long Lyapunov times. Well known, classical examples of solar system objects in coorbital resonance include Jupiter's Trojan asteroids and the interacting horseshoe orbit of Janus and Epimetheus. We find at least one additional set of stable configurations where one planet is initially on a highly eccentric orbit, the other planet is on a circular orbit, and the planets swap eccentricities over several hundred orbits. This configuration is fundamentally different from tadpole and horseshoe orbits, as demonstrated by surfaces of section. We briefly discuss the implications for extrasolar planet searches and possible formation mechanisms.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: novak@ucolick.org
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #3
© 2002. The American Astronomical Society.