Role of the Lidov-Kozai mechanism in transformation of high-inclined asteroids into near-Earth objects

Abstract

The Lidov-Kozai mechanism induces coupled long-period oscillations in the inclination and eccentricity of asteroid orbits depending on the argument of the perihelion $\omega$. When the inclination decreases, the eccentricity increases and reaches a maximum at the points $\omega = 90$°, 270°. Both circulation and libration of the argument of the perihelion can take place. The amplitude of the eccentricity oscillations in the case of large inclination can be very large. In this work, the possibility of transformation of main belt asteroids into near-Earth objects under the influence of this perturbation was investigated. Numerical integration of 139 selected asteroid orbits was performed with Jupiter in circular orbit as a perturbing body. As a result, it was found that some high-inclined asteroids which move far from the Earth orbit can be transformed into near-Earth objects at large time scales.