Regression of the Node of the Orbit of Mercury due to a Solar Quadrupole Moment

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (5) References (7) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Regression of the Node of the Orbit of Mercury due to a Solar Quadrupole Moment O'Connell, R. F. Abstract Assuming that the solar quadrupole moment is given by the value deduced by Dicke and Goldenberg from their solar oblateness measurements, Audretsch, Dehnen, and Hönl recently concluded that the node of the orbit of Mercury regresses at a rate of 3'~4 per century. However, this rate is with respect to the Sun's equatorial system. Now, the observations of all planetary orbits are described with respect to the equinox and ecliptic of a given epoch, and we show that, with respect to this system, the rate of re- gression is only O'~27 per century, which is actually smaller than the experimental error of 1" per century Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: April 1968 DOI: 10.1086/180167 Bibcode: 1968ApJ...152L..11O full text sources ADS |