Constraints on the range lambda of Yukawa-like modifications to the Newtonian inverse-square law of gravitation from Solar System planetary motions

TL;DR

This study uses precise planetary perihelion data to constrain Yukawa-like modifications to gravity, finding the range parameter must be less than about one-tenth of an astronomical unit, impacting theories with larger Yukawa ranges.

Contribution

It provides the first stringent Solar System constraints on the Yukawa range parameter using perihelion precession data from the EPM2004 ephemerides.

Findings

Yukawa range parameter cannot exceed ~0.1 AU.

Constraints challenge modified gravity theories with larger Yukawa ranges.

Results depend on perihelion precession estimates by Pitjeva.

Abstract

In this paper we use the latest corrections to the Newton-Einstein secular perihelion rates of some planets of the Solar System, phenomenologically estimated with the EPM2004 ephemerides by the Russian astronomer E.V. Pitjeva, to put severe constraints on the range parameter lambda characterizing the Yukawa-like modifications of the Newtonian inverse-square law of gravitation. It turns out that the range cannot exceed about one tenth of an Astronomical Unit. We assumed neither equivalence principle violating effects nor spatial variations of $\alpha$ and $\lambda$. This finding may have important consequences on all the modified theories of gravity involving Yukawa-type terms with range parameters much larger than the Solar System size. However, caution is advised since we, currently have at our disposal only the periehlion extra-rates estimated by Pitjeva: if and when other groups will estimate their own corrections to the secular motion of perihelia, more robust and firm tests may be conducted.