Evolution of Saturn's Mid-Sized Moons.

ABSTRACT: The orbits of Saturn's inner mid-sized moons (Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, and Rhea) have been notably difficult to reconcile with their geology. Here, we present numerical simulations coupling thermal, geophysical, and simplified orbital evolution for 4.5 billion years that reproduce observed characteristics of their orbits and interiors, provided that the outer four moons are old. Tidal dissipation within Saturn expands the moons' orbits over time. Dissipation within the moons decreases their eccentricities, which are episodically increased by moon-moon interactions, causing past or present oceans in the interior of Enceladus, Dione, and Tethys. In contrast, Mimas' proximity to Saturn's rings generates interactions that cause such rapid orbital expansion that Mimas must have formed o

SUBMITTER: Neveu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6662725 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature