Non-tidal Coupling of the Orbital and Rotational Motions of Extended Bodies

TL;DR

This paper proposes a non-tidal mechanism for coupling orbital and rotational motions of extended bodies, supported by Mars atmospheric data, with implications for planetary physics and gravitation theories.

Contribution

It introduces a new non-tidal torque mechanism linking orbital and rotational dynamics, supported by observational and simulation evidence from Mars.

Findings

Episodic strengthening of meridional circulations observed during dust storms

Spacecraft data shows intensified atmospheric motions consistent with the hypothesis

Implications for planetary orbital evolution and gravitational theories

Abstract

The orbital motions and spin-axis rotations of extended bodies are traditionally considered to be coupled only by tidal mechanisms. The orbit-spin coupling hypothesis supplies an additional mechanism. A reversing torque on rotating extended bodies is identified. The torque effects an exchange of angular momentum between the reservoirs of the orbital and rotational motions. The axis of the torque is constrained to lie within the equatorial plane of the subject body. Hypothesis testing to date has focused on the response to the putative torque of the Martian atmosphere. Atmospheric global circulation model simulations reveal that an episodic strengthening and weakening of meridional overturning circulations should be observable and is diagnostic in connection with the triggering of Martian planet-encircling dust storms. Spacecraft observations obtained during the earliest days of the 2018 Martian global dust storm document a strong intensification of atmospheric meridional motions as predicted under this hypothesis. We review implications for atmospheric physics, for investigations of planetary orbital evolution with rotational energy dissipation, and for theories of gravitation.