The computation of orbits in indeterminate and uncertain cases

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (21) References (14) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The computation of orbits in indeterminate and uncertain cases Marsden, B. G. Abstract Physically meaningful results are obtained in mathematically indeterminate cases via a modification of the Gauss-Enke-Merton (GEM) form of the Gaussian method of three-observation orbit determination. The modified procedure allows situations to be isolated where at least one observation is erroneous. A logical extension of the procedure provides a mechanism for using only two observations of a minor planet to identify additional data. Though analogous to the 'modified' Vaisala method, the new procedure is found to be more convenient for application in practice and to have distinct advantages in the case of Apollo objects, which in the Vaisala method must unrealistically be presumed at aphelion. It is also shown that the three-observation procedure can readily be extended to incorporate additional observations. The relative performance of the GEM method and traditional orbit-determination methods in cases of discrete nontrivial multiple solutions is discussed. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: October 1991 DOI: 10.1086/115979 Bibcode: 1991AJ....102.1539M Keywords: Asteroids; Orbit Calculation; Planetary Orbits; Celestial Mechanics; Gauss Equation; Astrophysics full text sources ADS |