Lunar Orbital Theory
Abstract
The present and expected accuracies of lunar laser ranging imply that the gravitational theory of the motion of the Moon should be consistent with at least the same precision. It is therefore necessary to aim at internal relative consistencies better than 10-11 or 10-12. Several theories based on numerical integration have been built and are currently being used in reducing the lunar laser ranging data. However, literal or semi-literal analytical theories have several important advantages over purely numerical ephemerides. This is why important programmes of building such theories are now in progress, particularly in the U.S.A. and in France. Characteristics and the state of advancement of these theories will be reviewed and the possibility of constructing an analytical theory with the above mentioned accuracy discussed.
- Publication:
-
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series A
- Pub Date:
- May 1977
- DOI:
- 10.1098/rsta.1977.0032
- Bibcode:
- 1977RSPTA.284..565K
- Keywords:
-
- Celestial Mechanics;
- Earth Orbits;
- Gravitation Theory;
- Lunar Rangefinding;
- Laser Range Finders;
- Numerical Integration;
- Orbit Perturbation;
- Perturbation Theory;
- Precision;
- Selenology;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration;
- CELESTIAL MECHANICS;
- EARTH ORBITS;
- GRAVITATION THEORY;
- LUNAR RANGEFINDING;
- LASER RANGE FINDERS;
- NUMERICAL INTEGRATION;
- ORBIT PERTURBATION;
- PERTURBATION THEORY;
- PRECISION;
- SELENOLOGY