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How fast do Galilean satellites spin?Each of the Galilean satellites, as well as most other satellites whose initial rotations have been substantialy altered by tidal dissipation, has been widely assumed to rotate synchronously with its orbital mean motion. Such rotation would require a small permanent asymmetry in the mass distribution in order to overcome the small mean tidal torque. Since Io and Europa may be substantially fluid, they may not have the strength to support the required permanent asymmetry. Thus, each may rotate at the unknown but slightly nonsynchronous rate that corresponds to zero mean tidal torque. This behavior may be observable by Galileo spacecraft imaging. It may help explain the longitudinal variation of volcanism on Io and the cracking of Europa's crust.
Document ID
19840056319
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Greenberg, R.
(Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Weidenschilling, S. J.
(Science Applications Inc. Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Icarus
Volume: 58
ISSN: 0019-1035
Subject Category
Astronomy
Report/Patent Number
ISSN: 0019-1035
Accession Number
84A39106
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-3524
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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