Current problems of dynamics of moons of planets and binary asteroids based on observations

Аннотация

The general approach to studying the dynamics of moons of planets and asteroids consists in developing more and more accurate models of motion based on observational data. Not only the necessary ephemerides, but also some physical parameters of planets and moons are obtained this way. It is demonstrated in the present study that progress in this field is driven not only by the increase in accuracy of observations. The accuracy of ephemerides may be increased by expanding the observation time interval. Several problems arise on the way toward this goal. Some of them become apparent only when the procedure of observational data processing and use is examined in detail. The method used to derive astrometric data by processing the results of photometric observations of mutual occultations and eclipses of planetary moons is explained below. The primary contribution to the error of astrometric results is produced by the unaccounted noise level in photometric readings and the inaccuracy of received values of the albedo of moons. It is demonstrated that the current methods do not allow one to eliminate the noise completely. Extensive additional photometric measurements should be performed at different angles of rotation of moons and in different spectral bands of the visible wavelength range in order to obtain correct values of the albedo of moons. Many new distant moons of the major planets have been discovered in the early 21st century. However, the observations of these moons are scarce and were performed over short time intervals; as a result, some of the moons were lost. The necessity of further observations of these Solar System bodies is pointed out in the present study. Insufficient knowledge of asteroid masses is an obstacle to improving the accuracy of the ephemerides of Mars. The basic method for determining the masses of large asteroids consists in analyzing their influence on the motion of Mars, the Earth, and spacecraft. The masses of more than 100 large asteroids were determined this way. One of the principal techniques for Earth-based measurement of the masses of asteroids involves astrometric observations of binary asteroids. The determination of relative coordinates is made rather difficult by the apparent proximity of components. The success of these efforts depends on the availability of instrumentation and the expertise of observers skilled in adaptive optics and speckle interferometry. Collaboration between different research teams and observers is absolutely necessary.