Solid-Driven Torques Reverse Moon Migration
Published:Dec 29, 2025 15:31
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper addresses a key problem in the formation of Jupiter's Galilean moons: their survival during inward orbital migration. It introduces a novel approach by incorporating solid dynamics into the circumjovian disk models. The study's significance lies in demonstrating that solid torques can significantly alter, even reverse, the migration of moons, potentially resolving the 'migration catastrophe' and offering a mechanism for resonance establishment. This is a crucial step towards understanding the formation and architecture of satellite systems.
Key Takeaways
- •Solid torques, driven by dust in the circumjovian disk, significantly impact moon migration.
- •Migration can be slowed, halted, reversed (outward), or accelerated depending on parameters.
- •This mechanism could explain the survival of moons and the establishment of orbital resonances.
- •The study uses the FARGO3D code for 2D simulations.
Reference
“Solid dynamics provides a robust and self-consistent mechanism that fundamentally alters the migration of the Galilean moons, potentially addressing the long-standing migration catastrophe.”