Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Mars trojan

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Mars trojan

The Mars trojans are a group of objects that share the orbit of the planet Mars around the Sun. They can be found around the two Lagrangian points 60° ahead of and behind Mars. The origin of the Mars trojans is not well understood. One theory suggests that they were captured in its Lagrangian points as the Solar System was forming. However, spectral studies of the Mars trojans indicate this may not be the case. One explanation for this involves asteroids wandering into the Mars Lagrangian points later in the Solar System's formation. This is also questionable considering the very low mass of Mars.

Presently, this group contains seven asteroids confirmed to be stable Mars trojans by long-term numerical simulations but only four of them are accepted by the Minor Planet Center (†) and there is one candidate:

L4 (leading):

  • (121514) 1999 UJ7
  • L5 (trailing):

  • 5261 Eureka
  • (101429) 1998 VF31
  • (311999) 2007 NS2
  • (385250) 2001 DH47
  • 2011 SC191
  • 2011 UN63
  • Candidates

  • 2011 SL25
  • References

    Mars trojan Wikipedia


    Similar Topics