Advocating the use of vector-matrix notation in precession theory
Abstract
It is shown that precession theory and practice would both gain in simplicity and clarity if vectors and matrices would be consistently used in place of spherical angles. The whole of precession theory is reformulated on these grounds and expressions are given, meant to replace current formulae and numerical polynomials. A thorough check has shown the complete equivalence of the final results with those in common usage.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- February 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980A&A....82..123F
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Coordinates;
- Matrices (Mathematics);
- Polar Wandering (Geology);
- Precession;
- Transformations (Mathematics);
- Vector Analysis;
- Angular Velocity;
- Numerical Integration;
- Polynomials;
- Astronomy