Dynamics of minor bodies in the solar system

Abstract

The minor body population in the solar system includes asteroids, comets, meteoroids, Trans-Neptunian Objects, and centaurs. The largest population of asteroids is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter in the Asteroid Belt, with a significant concentration found between 2 au and 3.4 au from the Sun in the Main Asteroid Belt (MAB). Perturbations affecting the MAB gradually cause some asteroids to reach planet-crossing trajectories, transforming them into Mars-crossers and Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). The NEOs frequently undergo close gravitational encounters with terrestrial planets, resulting in chaotic orbital evolution. Beyond Jupiter are the Trojans of Jupiter and the Centaurs. The dynamics of Centaurs resemble those of NEOs, influenced by close planetary encounters. Trans-Neptunian Objects, located beyond Neptune, experience planetary scattering, mean-motion resonances, and secular resonances. This work presents a review of some of the author’s contributions to the dynamical evolution of minor bodies, with a focus on their interactions with terrestrial and giant planets.