Astronomical School’s Report, 2011, Volume 7, Issue 2, Pages 230–233

https://doi.org/10.18372/2411-6602.07.2230
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UDC 521+523.6

Orbital evolution of 95Р/Chiron, 39P/Oterma, 29P/Shwassmann–Wachmann 1, and of 33 Centaurs

Kovalenko N.S.1, Churyumov K.I.1, 2, Babenko Yu.G.2

1Kiev Planetarium, Ukraine
2Astronomical Observatory, Kyiv Shevchenko National University, Ukraine

Abstract

The paper is devoted to numerical modeling of orbital evolution of 34 Centaurs, and 2 distant Jupiter-family comets – 39P/Oterma and 29P/Shwassmann-Wachmann 1. As a result the evolutionary tracks of orbital elements of 33 Centaurs and 3 comets (95/Р Chiron (2060), 39P/Oterma and 29P/Shwassmann–Wachmann 1) are obtained. The integrations were produced for 1 Myr back and forth in time starting at epoch and using the implicit single sequence Everhart methods. The statistical analysis of numerical integrations results was done, trends in changes of Centaurs' orbital elements in the past and in the future are revealed. The part of Centaurs that are potential comets is defined by the values of perihelia distributions for modeled orbits. It is shown that Centaurs may transits into orbits typical for Jupiter-family comets, and vice versa. Centaurs represent one of possible sources for replenishment of JFCs population, but other sources are also necessary.

Keywords: orbital evolution of comets; evolution of Centaurs

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