Lunar laser ranging test of the Nordtvedt parameter and a possible variation in the gravitational constant

authored by
F. Hofmann, J. Müller, L. Biskupek
Abstract

Context. Forty years of lunar laser ranging (LLR) data provide an excellent basis to determine various parameters of the Earth-Moon system as well as parameters related to gravitational physics. Aims.We update the Institut f̈r Erdmessung (IfE) LLR model taking the effect of a fluid lunar core into consideration. The temporal variation in the gravitational constant G̈/G0 and the strong equivalence principle, parameterized by the Nordtvedt parameter , are investigated. Methods.A set of LLR observations from 1970 to 2009 was analysed and the parameters were determined by a least squares adjustment in two runs. After solving for classical Newtonian parameters (e.g. initial conditions for the lunar orbit and rotation) in the first run, relativistic parameters were determined in the second run. Results.The upper limits to the gravitational constant and the Nordtvedt parameter were found to be G̈/G0 = (.0.7 ± 3.8)×10-13 yr-1 and = (.0.6 ± 5.2)×10-4.

Organisation(s)
Institute of Geodesy
Quest: Centre for Quantum Engineering and Space-Time Research
Type
Article
Journal
Astronomy and astrophysics
Volume
522
ISSN
0004-6361
Publication date
29.10.2010
Publication status
Published
Peer reviewed
Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Space and Planetary Science
Electronic version(s)
https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/201015659 (Access: Open)
 

Details in the research portal "Research@Leibniz University"