On the Origin of the Commensurabilities Amongst the Satellites of Saturn

Abstract

The hypothesis that the commensurabilities amongst the satellites of Saturn are due to the action of tidal forces is examined. It is shown that this hypothesis provides a satisfactory explanation of the origin of the commensurabilities between Mimas and Tethys, and between Enceladus and Dione. The origin of the commensurability between Titan and Hyperion cannot be explained in this way, but it is possibly the result of a close approach between these satellites.