Long-term dynamical evolution of Pallene (Saturn XXXIII) and its diffuse, dusty ring

ABSTRACT The distinctive set of Saturnian small satellites, Aegaeon, Methone, Anthe, and Pallene, constitutes an excellent laboratory to understand the evolution systems immersed in co-orbital dusty rings/arcs, subjected perturbations from larger satellites non-gravitational forces. In this work, we carried out a comprehensive numerical exploration long-term Pallene its ring. Through frequency map analysis, characterized current dynamical state around Pallene. A simple tidal model serves time frame for orbital configuration system. With detailed short- N-body simulations determine whether is currently resonance with one or more six Saturn’s major moons. We analysed myriad resonant arguments extracted direct indirect parts disturbing function, finding that not mean motion present up 5 Myr into future; none less, some exhibit intervals libration circulation at different time-scales moon pairings. studied micrometric particles forming ring, considering gravitational Non-gravitational forces are responsible vertical excursions outward migration. By estimating satellite’s mass production rate, find could be keeping ring steady-state only if it mainly composed large micrometre-sized particles. If few micrometres which source, will spread out, both radially vertically, until finally disappears.