Resonant Networks of Spin-Orbit Coupling in Ellipsoid-Ellipsoid Binary Asteroid Systems

TL;DR

This paper develops a global Hamiltonian framework to map and analyze the complex network of spin-orbit resonances in binary asteroid systems, revealing interactions and boundaries among multiple resonant modes.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive method to study coupled spin-orbit resonances in binary asteroids, including secondary resonances from nonlinear interactions.

Findings

Identified a secondary resonance structure from nonlinear coupling.

Mapped dynamical boundaries of various resonant modes.

Provided a parameter-space atlas for long-term evolution prediction.

Abstract

The dynamical evolution of binary asteroid systems is deeply influenced by spin-orbit resonances. However, their domains of influence and mutual interactions remain elusive, in particular in the space where multiple resonant modes coexist. In such regimes, the standard single-resonance approach is intrinsically limited and fails to capture the true coupled dynamics. To overcome this, we develop a global Hamiltonian framework based on elliptic expansions of the spin-orbit coupling model, enabling the numerical construction of comprehensive resonant networks. Concentrating on a representative synchronous region that encompasses synchronous spin-orbit, spin-spin, spin-orbit-spin, and doubly synchronous resonances, we study the dynamical boundaries of different resonant modes in a systematical manner. Crucially, we identify a secondary resonance structure arising from the strong nonlinear coupling between the synchronous resonances of the primary and secondary asteroids. Ultimately, this study provides a reliable parameter-space atlas, which is helpful for predicting the long-term evolutionary pathways of binary asteroid systems.