The formation of commensurabilities in satellite systems due to the action of tidal forces

The five types of resonance possible between a pair of satellites at a 21 commensurability are described. By a modification of the method usually used in the restricted three-body problem, phase-plane diagrams are constructed for these resonances for the more general case where both satellite masses are non-zero. These phase-plane diagrams are used to discuss the different types of motion possible at the five resonances.It is shown that tidal forces can drive a pair of satellites towards a commensurability, and at the 21 commensurability it is possible for the satellites to be captured into a libration at any of the five resonances, the probability of capture depending on the eccentricities, inclinations, and masses of the satellites. The tidal hypothesis provides a reasonable explanation of the origin of the commensurabilities between Mimas and Tethys, and between Enceladus and Dione, in the satellite system of Saturn.Presented at the Conference on Celestial Mechanics, Oberwolfach, Germany, August 27–September 2, 1972.