Distribution of Semimajor Axes for the Minor Planets
The diagram below shows the distribution of the minor planet semimajor axes. Although the values plotted are osculating values, the Kirkwood gaps are clearly visible, the principal ones being the 3:1 gap at 2.50 AU, the 5:2 at 2.82 AU, the 7:3 at 2.96 AU and the 2:1 at 3.28 AU. Groups of minor planets collect at two mean-motion resonances with Jupiter: the Hildas at the 3:2 (3.97 AU) and the Trojans at the 1:1 (5.20 AU). In addition, there is a single object, (279) Thule, at the 4:3 resonance (4.29 AU).This plot must not be reproduced without the express written consent of the Minor Planet Center.
minor planet lists.
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