Do Jupiter Trojans Ever Collide with Other Objects in Their Orbit?

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SUMMARY

Jupiter Trojans, the asteroids sharing an orbit with Jupiter, are divided into two groups: those leading and those lagging behind the planet. These asteroids maintain a stable distance from Jupiter, minimizing the likelihood of collisions with the planet or its moons. However, gravitational interactions with Jupiter and Saturn can cause some Trojans to be ejected from their stable positions, potentially leading to collision scenarios depending on their new trajectories. The discussion highlights the dynamics of these asteroids and their orbital stability.

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Master Wayne
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Does anyone know if the Jupiter Trojans (the asteroids that share an orbit with Jupiter) ever collide with moons or Jupiter itself?
 
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the 2 sets of Trojans sharing Jupiter's orbit, one set leading Jupiter the other set lagging Jupiter.
Those positions are quite some distance ahead and behind Jupiter, and as long at the asteroids stayed in those positions there would be no possibility of impacts.
But because of gravitational interactions between Jupiter, Saturn and the asteroids, some asteroids can get ejected from those positions. Depending on trajectories, I guess, impacts could be possible

Dave
 
davenn said:
the 2 sets of Trojans sharing Jupiter's orbit, one set leading Jupiter the other set lagging Jupiter.
Those positions are quite some distance ahead and behind Jupiter, and as long at the asteroids stayed in those positions there would be no possibility of impacts.
But because of gravitational interactions between Jupiter, Saturn and the asteroids, some asteroids can get ejected from those positions. Depending on trajectories, I guess, impacts could be possible

Dave


Awesome. That's exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you very much.
 
You are welcome :)

cheers
Dave
 
An interesting simulation of the motion of the Trojans:
http://chemistry.unina.it/~alvitagl/solex/hiltro.gif
 
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