One of the so-called Kirkwood gaps in the asteroid belt

Chapter , Problem 25

(choose chapter or problem)

One of the so-called Kirkwood gaps in the asteroid belt occurs at an orbital radius at which the period of the orbit is half that of Jupiters. The reason there is a gap for orbits of this radius is because of the periodic pulling (by Jupiter) that an asteroid experiences at the same location with every other orbit around the Sun. Repeated tugs from Jupiter of this kind would eventually change the orbit of such an asteroid. Therefore, all asteroids that would otherwise have orbited at this radius have presumably been cleared away from the area due to this resonance phenomenon. How far from the Sun is this particular 2:1 resonance Kirkwood gap?

Unfortunately, we don't have that question answered yet. But you can get it answered in just 5 hours by Logging in or Becoming a subscriber.

Becoming a subscriber
Or look for another answer

×

Login

Login or Sign up for access to all of our study tools and educational content!

Forgot password?
Register Now

×

Register

Sign up for access to all content on our site!

Or login if you already have an account

×

Reset password

If you have an active account we’ll send you an e-mail for password recovery

Or login if you have your password back