Stability of the orbit of a third body in binary asteroid systems

Abstract

In this work we studied the stable regions around four binary asteroids in the main asteroid belt. The studied systems were (107) Camilla, (22) Kallipe, (45) Eugenia and (762) Pulcova. The stability was characterized with three motion indicators: relative Lyapunov indicator, maximum eccentricity, and maximum difference of eccentricities. The survay covered the P type orbits, where satellite moves around both primaries. On the basis of our work it can be decided, in which system the discovery of a third component can be expected. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.