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15: Special Perturbations

  • Page ID
    6888
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    [This chapter is under development and it may be a rather long time before it is complete. It is the intention that it may deal with special perturbations, differential corrections, and the computation of a definitive orbit. However, it will probably proceed rather slowly and whenever the spirit moves me.]

    • 15.1: Introduction
      This page covers Chapter 14, focusing on general perturbations quantified by Lagrange’s Planetary Equations, specifically for satellites around oblate planets. It contrasts theoretical approaches with the practical need for special perturbations and numerical methods for asteroids and comets. The chapter highlights Jupiter's influence as a perturbing force and discusses whether to include Pluto and transneptunian objects.
    • 15.2: Orbital elements and the position and velocity vector
      This page outlines the six crucial elements defining an asteroid's orbit: semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, longitude of ascending node, argument of periapsis, and time of perihelion passage, all referenced to a specific equinox and epoch (J2000.0). It highlights that these elements change over time due to planetary perturbations, requiring recalculations for future epochs.
    • 15.3: The equations of motion
      This page examines asteroid motion influenced by the Sun’s gravity and the complexities introduced by a perturbing planet, employing Newton’s laws to derive motion equations in different coordinates. It emphasizes the necessity of numerical methods for integrating the motion due to the challenges of three-body interactions.


    This page titled 15: Special Perturbations is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jeremy Tatum via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.