The Scalar Ether-Theory of Gravitation and its First Test in Celestial Mechanics

TL;DR

This paper explores a scalar ether-based gravitational theory, presenting its fundamental equations and testing its predictions in celestial mechanics, specifically comparing Mercury's orbit predictions with those of general relativity.

Contribution

It introduces a scalar ether-theory of gravity and develops a post-Newtonian approximation scheme to test its predictions against celestial data.

Findings

Predictions for Mercury's orbit are compared with general relativity.

The theory's post-Newtonian equations are derived and applied to solar system bodies.

Differences from standard post-Newtonian schemes are highlighted.

Abstract

The motivations for investigating a theory of gravitation based on a concept of "ether" are discussed-- a crucial point is the existence of an alternative interpretation of special relativity, named the Lorentz-Poincar\'e ether theory. The basic equations of one such theory of gravity, based on just one scalar field, are presented. To check this theory in celestial mechanics, an "asymptotic" scheme of post-Newtonian (PN) approximation is summarized and its difference with the standard PN scheme is emphasized. The derivation of PN equations of motion for the mass centers, based on the asymptotic scheme, is outlined. They are implemented for the major bodies of the solar system and the prediction for Mercury is compared with an ephemeris based on general relativity.