Abstract
We point out the existence of a new general relativistic contribution to the perihelion advance of Mercury that, while smaller than the contributions arising from the solar quadrupole moment and angular momentum, is 100 times larger than the second-post-Newtonian contribution. It arises in part from relativistic “crossterms” in the post-Newtonian equations of motion between Mercury’s interaction with the Sun and with the other planets, and in part from an interaction between Mercury’s motion and the gravitomagnetic field of the moving planets. At a few parts in of the leading general relativistic precession of 42.98 arcseconds per century, these effects are likely to be detectable by the BepiColombo mission to place and track two orbiters around Mercury, scheduled for launch around 2018.
- Received 22 February 2018
- Revised 12 March 2018
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.191101
© 2018 American Physical Society
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Synopsis
Revised Prediction for Mercury’s Orbit
Published 8 May 2018
Mercury’s orbital ellipse is predicted to shift an additional every two billion years as a result of previously unaccounted for effects of general relativity.
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