Apollonius coordinates, theN-body problem, and continuation of periodic solutions

Abstract

This paper treats theN-body problem and its relation to various restricted problems. For each solution of the Kepler problem a generalization of the pulsating coordinates used to express the Hamiltonian of the elliptic restricted three-body problem is given. These coordinates are called Apollonius coordinates. The method of symplectic scaling is used to give a precise derivation of the elliptic restricted problem showing the precise asymptotic relationship between the restricted problem and the full three-body problem. This derivation obviates the proof of the fact that a nondegenerate periodic solution of the elliptic restricted three-body problem can be continued into the full three-body problem under mild nonresonance assumptions. Also, the method of symplectic scaling is used to give a precise derivation of the elliptic Hill lunar equation showing the precise relationship between the elliptic Hill lunar equation and the full three-body problem. A similar continuation theorem is established.