The current orbit of Methone (S/2004 S 1)

The Cassini spacecraft discovered many close-in small satellites in Saturnian system, and several of them exhibit exotic orbital states due to interactions with Mimas the oblateness planet. This work is devoted Methone, which currently involved a 15:14 mean-motion resonance Mimas. We give an in-deep study on current orbit Methone by analyzing identifying short, resonant long-term gravitational perturbations its orbit. In addition, we perform numerical integrations full equations motion ensembles bodies orbiting non-central field Saturn. Spectral analyses orbits interpretation dynamical maps allow us describe dynamics view dynamics. show that geometric aligned Mimas’ forced component eccentricity, leading simultaneous oscillations critical angles expanded disturbing function. Thus, explain four arguments associated resonance. mapping Mimas–Methone shows domains are dominated regular motions Corotation located at eccentricities lower than $$\sim \, 0.015$$ osculating semi-major axis interval 194,660–194,730 km. deeply within this site.