Astronomical Theory Section - Planetary Phenomena


The orbit of dwarf planet Ceres   (3)

  • Repeating oppositions
  • Variations in opposition distance
  • Changes in orbital parameters
    • Calculation of precession rates
  • Orbital perturbations
    • Periodic alignments and cyclic variations
      • The mechanism of orbit change due to perturbations
  • Application to other asteroids
I firstly describe the orbital periodicities that the asteroid and dwarf planet Ceres has as an "outer planet". I then explore the considerable variations in its orbit due to perturbations caused by its giant neighbour Jupiter. These variations have complex periodic dependencies which I analyse in terms of orbital alignments to derive values for the various short-term and long-term periods. I then explain how perturbations can cause the orbit variations before applying my analysis to the case of some of the other larger asteroids.

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