Coordinate Systems in the General Relativistic Framework

Abstract

The treatment of the coordinate systems is briefly reviewed in the Newtonian mechanics, in the special theory of relativity, and in the general relativistic theory, respectively. Some reference frames and coordinate systems proposed within the general relativistic framework are introduced. With use of the ideas on which these coordinate systems are based, the proper reference frame comoving with a system of mass-points is defined as a general relativistic extension of the relative coordinate system in the Newtonian mechanics. The coordinate transformation connecting this and the background coordinate systems is presented explicitly in the post-Newtonian formalism. The conversion formulas of some physical quantities caused by this coordirate transformation are discussed. The concept of the rotating coordinate system is reexamined within the relativistic framework. A modification of the introduced proper reference frame is proposed as the basic coordinate system in the astrometry. The relation between the solar system barycentric coordinate system and the terrestrial coordinate system is given explicitly.