Atractive potential of two finite oblate bodies: a preliminar approach to use Andoyer variables

Abstract

Pluto-Charon is a very interesting system: it is a transneptunian planet-satellite pair, whose mass relation is almost 1/10, the highest value found in our solar system. In fact, it is almost a binary system. Some other intriguing points: possible double synchronism (spin-orbit) linking the rotation and the orbital motion of Pluto and Charon, the origin and stability of this configuration, high obliquity of Pluto, etc. In this proposal we intend to model the mutual effect of the oblateness between these two bodies. Due to the mutual proximity, the individual oblateness of each body plays an important role not only in the orbital motion but in dynamics of the rotation as well. This study is the basic step for a rigorous investigation of the dynamics of the rotation of the Pluto-Charon system. As predicted, in this year, the New Horizons mission should reach Pluto-Charon system, so that, very soon, new and precise data should be available for this problem.