The Dynamics of Natural Satellites of the Planets

The Dynamics of Natural Satellites of the Planets is an accessible reference for understanding the celestial mechanics of planetary moons through the lens of both theory and observation. Based on decades of research by the author, the book utilizes state-of-the-art observations of the natural satellites in the solar system to establish models, measurements and calculations to better understand the theory of the satellite movement and dynamics. It presents an extensive set of study methods and results on the motion of natural satellites of the planets and includes reviews and references to related publication for further explanation.

By relating observations to numerical theory, the book serves as a quick and comprehensive reference for applying the theory of orbital dynamics to observational data on orbits and physical properties of the natural satellites in order to formulate state-of-the-art explanations and models, particularly for determining the parameters of satellite motion.

• Combines astronomy and celestial mechanics, providing astrometric data from observations to inform methods and models for predicting natural satellite dynamics
• Includes both theory and observation in one place and presents new models based on observations
• Organized into small sections, each providing specific measurements, calculations or models, making it a quick and comprehensive reference

Researchers in the field of solar system studies and planetary missions. Graduate students in space and planetary science

1. Goals, objectives and a general approach to the study of the dynamics of natural satellites
2. Satellites of the planets
3. Equations of motion and analytic theories
4. Methods of numerical integration
5. Observations of planetary satellites
6. Building models of motion of celestial bodies based on observations
7. Obtaining astrometric data from observations of mutual occultations and eclipses of planetary satellites
8. Assessment of the accuracy of the planetary satellites ephemeris
9. The rotation of the satellites of the planets
10. The evolution of the orbits of the natural satellites of the planets
11. Physical parameters of natural satellites
12. Natural satellites information resources

Appendix
1. The nomenclature of planetary satellites
2. Orbital parameters of satellites
3. Special functions in celestial mechanics
4. Time scales
5. Decomposition by Cholesky. Calculating program
6. Parameters of rotation of planets and satellites
7. Physical parameters of planetary satellites