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T. Yokoyama, M.T. Santos, G. Cardin (UNESP Rio Claro), O.C. Winter, S.M.G. Winter (UNESP Guaratingueta)
In this work we study the basic aspects concerning the stability and dynamics of the outer satellites of Jupiter. Including the effects of the four giant planets and the Sun we study a large grid of initial conditions. Some important regions where satellites cannot survive are found. Basically these regions are related to Kozai resonance and also to overlapping of others resonances. In the neighbourhood of the retrograde satellites there is an interesting region where eccentricity increases more than one should expect. Taking a fifth order expansion of the disturbing function we present an analytical explanation for the libration of the pericenters \varpi-\varpiJ . According to Whipple and Shelus this libration could be a protection mechanism for the retrograde satellites. Another new center is also obtained. The period and amplitude of these librations are quite sensitive to initial conditions so that, probably precise observational data are needed for Pasiphae and Sinope. The effect of Jupiter's mass variation is briefly presented. This effect might be responsible for satellite capture and also for locking \varpi-\varpiJ in temporary libration.
This work was partially funded by FAPESP and FUNDUNESP.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #3< br> © 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.