Quantification of tidal parameters from Solar system data

TL;DR

This paper reviews methods for quantifying tidal parameters like Love number k2 and quality factor Q from Solar system observations, summarizes current values, and assesses prospects for measuring the tidal ratio k2/Q for Uranus and Neptune.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of observational methods for tidal parameters and evaluates the potential to determine the tidal ratio for outer planets.

Findings

Summarized current values of Love number k2 and quality factor Q.

Assessed the feasibility of measuring the tidal ratio k2/Q for Uranus and Neptune.

Highlighted the importance for future space missions and astrometric campaigns.

Abstract

Tidal dissipation is the main driver of orbital evolution of natural satellites and a key point to understand the exoplanetary system configurations. Despite its importance, its quantification from observations still remains difficult for most objects of our own Solar system. In this work, we overview the method that has been used to determine, directly from observations, the tidal parameters, with emphasis on the Love number k2 and the tidal quality factor Q. Up-to-date values of these tidal parameters are summarized. Last, an assessment on the possible determination of the tidal ratio k2/Q of Uranus and Neptune is done. This may be particularly relevant for coming astrometric campaigns and future space missions focused on these systems.