Published July 20, 1973
| public
Journal Article
Large-Scale Variations in the Obliquity of Mars
- Creators
- Ward, William R.
Abstract
Large-scale variations in the obliquity of the planet Mars are produced by a coupling between the motion of its orbit plane due to the gravitational perturbations of the other planets and the precession of its spin axis which results from the solar torque exerted on the equatorial bulge of the planet. The obliquity oscillates on a time scale of approximately 1.2 x 10^5 years. The amplitude of this oscillation itself varies periodically on a time scale of 1.2 X 10^6 years. The present-day obliquity is approximately 25.1 degrees. The maximum possible variation is from about 14.9 to 35.5 degrees. Signtificant climatic effects must be associated with the phenomenon.
Additional Information
© 1973 American Association for the Advancement of Science. Received 26 March 1973. I acknowledge valuable discussions with Dr. Bruce C. Murray. Supported by NASA grant NGL 05-002-003. Contribution No. 2322 of the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of Technology.Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 62003
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20151109-143707653
- NGL 05-002-003
- NASA
- Created
-
2015-11-09Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
-
2021-11-10Created from EPrint's last_modified field
- Other Numbering System Name
- Caltech Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences
- Other Numbering System Identifier
- 2322