Revisiting the dynamics of the Prometheus-Pandora system

Abstract

This study revisits the dynamics of Prometheus and Pandora. The analysis focuses on their current orbits and considers mutual perturbations and the non-spherical shape of Saturn. Numerical integrations of the full equations of motion were performed in the context of the N-body problem using a dense set of initial conditions. Spectral analysis of these orbits, together with an interpretation of the dynamical maps, revealed several resonance domains of various orders between Prometheus and Pandora, including the 121:118 resonance domain. Resolving the secular equations for eccentricity and inclination revealed the absence of a forced component in both cases. The period associated with the precession rate, $\Delta \varpi$, corresponds to the anti-alignment period. Chaos was quantified by analysing the diffusion of independent frequencies, which indicates dynamics governed by weak chaos. Minor perturbations caused by the Janus-Epimetheus pair on the orbits of Prometheus and Pandora were also considered. Finally, we investigated the dynamical history of the Prometheus Pandora system, accounting for Pandora's migration due to tidal interactions with Saturn. This revealed several past cross-resonances with a low probability of capture, as well as a scenario in which the Prometheus-Pandora pair exhibited a co-orbital configuration.

22 pages, 24 Figures. Submitted to PSS on January 06, accepted on June 16

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