Simple calculation of the Moon apsides motion

2023/10/09 by V. V. Nesterenko, Nesterenko, V. V.
Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Classical Physics (physics.class-ph) #Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP) #FOS: Physical sciences #Planetary Science and Exploration #Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2310.05584

openalex publication_date 2023/10/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28

Abstract

A simple and clear method is proposed to calculate the averaged motion of the apsis line in the Moon orbit. The obtained result is 3^∘1'12'' for the starry period of the Moon revolution around the Earth or 40^∘22'48'' per year. The modern observed value of the latter quantity is 40^∘41' per year. In "Principia" Newton derived 1^∘31'28'' for the Moon month and 20^∘12'' per year. That is approximately two times less than the observable values. Unlike the Newton approach we use a simple and obvious averaging of the Sun disturbing force for the starry period of the Moon revolution around the Earth. The applicability of the obtained formulae to satellites of other planets and to the planets themselves is grounded. Comparing Newton's calculation with our method we reveal the reason, rather convincing, that brings Newton to inadequate result.

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