Small Body Dynamics with SBDynT: Proper Elements and Chaos Analysis

TL;DR

SBDynT is an open-source software tool designed for Solar System small body researchers to analyze orbital stability, resonance, and long-term evolution efficiently, incorporating observational uncertainties.

Contribution

It introduces methods for calculating proper elements and stability indicators, validated for accuracy, with a focus on computational efficiency for large datasets.

Findings

Validated the robustness and accuracy of SBDynT's methods.

Demonstrated high computational efficiency suitable for large datasets.

Enabled detailed dynamical classification and stability analysis.

Abstract

The Small Body Dynamics Tool (SBDynT) is software written for the community of Solar System small body researchers to perform dynamical classification, characterization, and investigation. SBDynT provides advanced simulation analysis capabilities that make it straightforward to determine mean motion resonance occupation, proper orbital elements, and a variety of stability indicators. These calculations can be performed for small bodies that are known, newly discovered, or simulated; observational uncertainties can be incorporated through the use of dynamical clones. In this paper, we describe the methods for producing proper orbital elements and stability indicators, which serve as essential tools for characterizing dynamical stability and long-term evolution. Through extensive validation, we demonstrate that this code offers a robust open-source framework for investigating the dynamics of Solar System small bodies with high accuracy. We also aim for computational efficiency allowing SBDynT to provide dynamical information for the several-fold increases in small bodies expected in the LSST era.