A constraint on the density of Jupiter's moon Thebe from primordial dynamics

TL;DR

This paper predicts a lower limit for Thebe's density based on primordial dynamics and simulations, providing a key constraint for understanding the formation and evolution of Jupiter's inner moons.

Contribution

It introduces a novel density lower limit for Thebe derived from primordial dynamics and simulates its orbital evolution influenced by resonant interactions during Jupiter's disk epoch.

Findings

Thebe's density is constrained to be at least 1.0 g/cm³.

Resonant dynamics and disk interactions explain Thebe's current orbit.

Simulations support the density prediction within the resonant transport model.

Abstract

Of the 97 known satellites in the Jovian system, the individual masses and densities of each moon have only been determined for six of them: the four Galileans, Amalthea, and Himalia. In this letter, we derive a prediction for the mean density (and mass) of Thebe, Jupiter's sixth largest regular moon, obtaining a lower limit of $\rho_\text{T}\gtrsim1.0$ g/cm$^3$ ($m_\text{T}\gtrsim 5\times 10^{20}$ g). In particular, this value emerges as a key constraint within the context of the resonant transport model for the origins of Jupiter's interior satellites. Expanding on this theory, here we carry out simulations of the simultaneous gravitational shepherding of Amalthea and Thebe via the resonant influence of inward-migrating Io during Jupiter's disk-bearing epoch. We find that owing to overstability of resonant dynamics facilitated by the circumjovian disk's aerodynamic drag, Thebe's smaller radius (compared to that of Amalthea's) requires a higher density to ensure its terminal orbital distance exceeds that of Amalthea's, as it does today. With multiple current and upcoming space missions devoted to in situ exploration of the Jovian system, a proper measurement of Thebe's mass provides an avenue towards empirical falsification or confirmation of our theoretical model for the dynamical evolution of Jupiter's inner moons.