Uranus Is Being Chased By Trojans!

[n2doc]

As Uranus speeds in its orbit in the solar system, there are three large space rocks that are in lockstep with the gas giant, according to new simulations. Two of them are wobbling in unstable “horseshoe” orbits near Uranus, while the third is in a more reliable Trojan orbit that is always 60 degrees in front of the planet.

The largest of this small group is the asteroid Crantor, which is 44 miles (70 kilometers) wide. Its horseshoe orbit, and that of companion 2010 EU65, means the space rocks seesaw between being close to Uranus and further away. They should stay in that configuration for a few million years.

The last of the group is 2011 QF99, in a Trojan orbit near one of Uranus’ Lagrangian points — sort of like a celestial parking spot where an object can hang out without undue influence from the balanced gravitational forces.


Read more: http://www.universetoday.com/103002/uranus-is-being-chased-by-asteroids/

[mindwalker_i]

1. Uranus being chased by trojans?

I'm sure there's a joke in there somewhere.

[Paulie]

2. More like the Trojan is sticking out in front

... Of the orbit.

[Buzz Clik]

3. yeah, I could get banned for pointing out the joke in there

[LongTomH]

4. More on Crantor and horseshoe orbits

Wikipedia has pages for Crantor, Centaur minor planets and horseshoe orbits.

[Thor_MN]

5. Safe orbiting, people...

nothing to see here, move along...

[rug]

6. More precicesly, Uranus is being circled by Trojans.

[Kennah]

7. Who can blame them? It looks rather nice.