In statistical orbital mechanics, a body's dynamical lifetime refers to the mean time that a small body can be expected to remain in its current mean motion resonance. Classic examples are comets and asteroids which evolve from the 7:3 resonance to the 5:2 resonance with Jupiter's orbit with dynamical lifetimes of 1-100 Ma.
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“Not many appreciate the ultimate power and potential usefulness of basic knowledge accumulated by obscure, unseen investigators who, in a lifetime of intensive study, may never see any practical use for their findings but who go on seeking answers to the unknown without thought of financial or practical gain.”
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