Long-term evolution of the Galilean satellites: the capture of Callisto into resonance

Abstract

Context. The Galilean satellites have very complex orbital dynamics due to the mean-motion resonances and the tidal forces acting in the system. The strong dissipation in the couple Jupiter–Io is spread to all the moons involved in the so-called Laplace resonance (Io, Europa, and Ganymede), leading to a migration of their orbits. Aims. We aim to characterize the future behavior of the Galilean satellites over the Solar System lifetime and to quantify the stability of the Laplace resonance. Tidal dissipation permits the satellites to exit from the current resonances or be captured into new ones, causing large variation in the moons’ orbital elements. In particular, we want to investigate the possible capture of Callisto into resonance. Methods. We performed hundreds of propagations using an improved version of a recent semi-analytical model. As Ganymede moves outwards, it approaches the 2:1 resonance with Callisto, inducing a temporary chaotic motion in the system. For this reason, we draw a statistical picture of the outcome of the resonant encounter. Results. The system can settle into two distinct outcomes: (A) a chain of three 2:1 two-body resonances (Io–Europa, Europa–Ganymede, and Ganymede–Callisto), or (B) a resonant chain involving the 2:1 two-body resonance Io–Europa plus at least one pure 4:2:1 three-body resonance, most frequently between Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. In case A (56% of the simulations), the Laplace resonance is always preserved and the eccentricities remain confined to small values below 0.01. In case B (44% of the simulations), the Laplace resonance is generally disrupted and the eccentricities of Ganymede and Callisto can increase up to about 0.1, making this configuration unstable and driving the system into new resonances. In all cases, Callisto starts to migrate outward, pushed by the resonant action of the other moons. Conclusions. From our results, the capture of Callisto into resonance appears to be extremely likely (100% of our simulations). The exact timing of its entrance into resonance depends on the precise rate of energy dissipation in the system. Assuming the most recent estimate of the dissipation between Io and Jupiter, the resonant encounter happens at about 1.5 Gyr from now. Therefore, the stability of the Laplace resonance as we know it today is guaranteed at least up to about 1.5 Gyr.