SP-345 Evolution of the Solar System

 

FIGURE 74.4.1.- Possible evolution (dashed lines) of the orbits of Triton and the Moon.

 

FIGURE 74.4.1.- Possible evolution (dashed lines) of the orbits of Triton and the Moon. These bodies are massive enough for tidal effects to modify their orbits from the typical large semimajor axis, retrograde orbit characteristic of the smaller, presumably captured satellites shown in the diagram. (From Alvén and Arrhenius, 1972a.)
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