Dynamics of the conservative and dissipative spin orbit problem

We investigate the dynamics of the spin–orbit coupling under different settings. First we consider the conservative problem, and then we add a dissipative torque as provided by MacDonald’s or Darwin’s models. By means of frequency analysis and of the computation of the maximum Lyapunov indicator we explore the different dynamical behaviors associated to the main resonances. In particular we focus on the 1:1 and 3:2 resonances in which the Moon and Mercury are actually trapped. Preprint submitted to Elsevier 22 October 2006