kirkwood-gaps | space-encyclopedia

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22, May, 2012

Space exploration began with the launch of Sputnik and Astrophysics was born as the application of physics to the phenomena observed by Astronomy, which etymologically means laws of the stars.

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Term	Definition
Kirkwood Gaps	spaces in the radial distribution of asteroids due to commensurabilities and resonances of orbital period with that of Jupiter. There are notable gaps corresponding to orbital period ratios of 4:1, 3:1, 5:2, 7:3 and 2:1. Any asteroids formerly in such orbits would be perturbed by regular gravitational interactions with Jupiter. The explanation was first given by Daniel Kirkwood in 1857. However, beyond 3.5 AU from the Sun, resonances correspond not to gaps but to isolated groups of asteroids at ratios of 3:2, 4:3 and 1:1. The reason for this is not fully understood.

Term

Definition

Kirkwood Gaps

spaces in the radial distribution of asteroids due to commensurabilities and resonances of orbital period with that of Jupiter. There are notable gaps corresponding to orbital period ratios of 4:1, 3:1, 5:2, 7:3 and 2:1. Any asteroids formerly in such orbits would be perturbed by regular gravitational interactions with Jupiter. The explanation was first given by Daniel Kirkwood in 1857. However, beyond 3.5 AU from the Sun, resonances correspond not to gaps but to isolated groups of asteroids at ratios of 3:2, 4:3 and 1:1. The reason for this is not fully understood.