Abstract

The precession of the perihelion of Mercury’s orbit is calculated using the Laplace–Runge–Lenz vector. An approximate calculation that assumes the orbits of the perturbing planets are circular and coplanar with Mercury’s orbit is within 4.4% of the correct value. A complete calculation that uses the correct elliptical orbit and orientation for each of the perturbing planets is then presented. The precession due to a perturbing planet is proportional to the mass of the planet and is approximately inversely proportional to the cube of its semimajor axis.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.