Saturnian mean motion resonances in meteoroid streams

TL;DR

This study explores the potential influence of Saturn's mean motion resonances on meteoroid streams, revealing evidence of such resonances that could enhance meteor activity observed on Earth.

Contribution

It is the first to identify and confirm Saturnian mean motion resonances in meteoroid streams, expanding understanding beyond Jovian resonances.

Findings

Strong evidence of 1:3 Saturnian MMR in Orionids

Strong evidence of 8:9 Saturnian MMR in Leonids

Confirmation of compact dust trails due to Saturnian resonances

Abstract

Many previous works have shown the relevance and dynamics of Jovian mean motion resonances (MMR) in various meteoroid streams. These resonant swarms are known to have produced spectacular meteor displays in the past. In this work we investigate whether any MMR due to Saturn are feasible, and subsequently check whether such effects are strong enough to trap meteoroids so as to cause enhanced meteor phenomena on Earth. Extensive numerical simulations are done on two major meteoroid streams, which are known to exhibit exterior Jovian resonances. The roles of the 1:6 and 5:14 Jovian MMR have already been studied in the Orionids and Leonids respectively. Now we find strong evidence of 1:3 and 8:9 Saturnian MMR in Orionids and Leonids respectively. The presence of compact dust trails in real space due to these two Saturnian resonances is confirmed from our calculations.