Frequency-dependent tidal dissipation in a viscoelastic Saturnian core and expansion of Mimas' semi-major axis

TL;DR

This study models frequency-dependent tidal dissipation in Saturn's viscoelastic core to reconcile astrometric observations with Mimas' orbital evolution, suggesting Mimas remained outside the synchronous orbit over billions of years.

Contribution

It introduces a viscoelastic core model with frequency dependence to explain Saturn's dissipation and Mimas' orbital history, aligning observations with theoretical predictions.

Findings

Core viscosity of 10^{13}-10^{14} Pa s explains observed dissipation.

Mimas' semi-major axis can stay outside the synchronous orbit for 4.5 billion years.

Frequency-dependent dissipation models support Mimas' orbital expansion.

Abstract

Regarding tidal dissipation in Saturn, usually parameterized by Saturn's quality factor Q, there remains a discrepancy between conventional estimates and the latest determination that has been derived from astrometric observations of Saturn's inner satellites. If dissipation in Saturn is as large as the astrometric observations suggest, conventional models predict that Mimas' initial orbit should be located inside Saturn's synchronous orbit or even inside its Roche limit. Using simple structure models and assuming Saturn's core to be viscoelastic, we look for dissipation models which are consistent with both the latest astrometric observations and with Mimas' orbital migration. Firstly, using a two-layer model of Saturn's interior structure, we constrain the ranges of rigidity and viscosity of Saturn's core which are consistent with Saturn's dissipation derived from astrometric observations at the tidal frequencies of Enceladus, Tethys, and Dione. Next, within the constrained viscosity and rigidity ranges, we calculate Mimas' semi-major axis considering the frequency dependence of viscoelastic dissipation in Saturn's core. By the two calculations, we evaluate (1) Saturnian models which can explain the astrometrically determined Saturnian dissipation, and (2) whether Mimas' initial semi-major axis is larger than the synchronous orbit. We show that if the core is assumed to be solid with a viscosity of 10^{13}-10^{14} Pa s, the lower boundary of the observed Saturnian dissipation at tidal frequencies of Enceladus, Tethys, and Dione can be explained by our model. In this viscosity range, Mimas can stay outside the synchronous orbit and the Roche limit for 4.5 billion years of evolution. In the case of a frequency dependent viscoelastic dissipative core, the lower boundary of the observed Saturnian dissipation can be consistent with the orbital expansion of Mimas.