Solar system constraints on Rindler acceleration

TL;DR

This paper investigates how Rindler acceleration affects classical tests of general relativity within the solar system, concluding that the Pioneer anomaly cannot be explained by a universal Rindler acceleration, with radar echo delay providing the tightest constraint.

Contribution

It provides new constraints on Rindler acceleration using classical solar system tests, especially radar echo delay, ruling out its role in the Pioneer anomaly.

Findings

Perihelion shifts constrain Rindler acceleration.

Radar echo delay sets the tightest bound at |a|<3nm/s^2.

Rindler acceleration cannot explain the Pioneer anomaly.

Abstract

We discuss the classical tests of general relativity in the presence of Rindler acceleration. Among these tests the perihelion shifts give the tightest constraints and indicate that the Pioneer anomaly cannot be caused by a universal solar system Rindler acceleration. We address potential caveats for massive test-objects. Our tightest bound on Rindler acceleration that comes with no caveats is derived from radar echo delay and yields |a|<3nm/s^2.