The long term evolution of Atens and Apollos

Abstract

AbstractIn this review we report on the investigations of the long term dynamics of the Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs). In the first part some theoretical results concerning the dynamical structure of the NEA belt are explained. We then present our knowledge of the long term evolution of the orbits of NEAs for time intervals up to several million years which were derived by extensive numerical integrations. An interesting point of investigation is the steady flux from the Atens to the Apollos and vice-versa which is caused primarily by close encounters with the Earth and Venus. We also report the results concerning the probability of collisions of the NEAs with these planets. Finally the possible capture of such objects into Trojan-like orbits − thus moving in a 1:1 resonance with one of the inner planets − is discussed.