Moon's perigee mass as a missing component of the Earth's precession-nutation theory

TL;DR

This paper identifies a previously overlooked lunar component, the Moon's perigee mass, affecting Earth's precession-nutation, which could lead to updates in geophysical and astronomical models.

Contribution

It reveals the influence of the Moon's perigee mass on Earth's precession-nutation, suggesting the need to revise existing models and theories.

Findings

Detection of local latitude variation with Chandler's period

Implication of missing lunar momentum in Earth's precession models

Potential updates needed in astronomy and satellite navigation

Abstract

In this work, the nutation momentum acting upon the Earth from the Moon's perigee mass that has not been taken into account in the Earth's precession-nutation theory was revealed. This missing momentum exhibits itself in the so-called "local latitude variation" with the Chandler's period. The results of our work raise the question of updating the Earth's precession-nutation theory and revising some postulates of the time service, astronomy, geophysics, satellite navigation, etc.