Continuous application of Lense-Thirring precession: flyby anomalies

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the analysis of the Nieto and Anderson paper, "Earth Flyby Anomalies," which investigates velocity anomalies observed in spacecraft during Earth flybys. The paper identifies a specific amount of anomaly and proposes a 'random' equation that aligns closely with the observed figures. The discussion also touches on the potential influence of frame-dragging and Lense-Thirring precession on these anomalies, with the Rosetta probe flyby serving as a critical test for the proposed equations. The participant expresses concern over the validity of the 'random' equation, particularly regarding its units and the accuracy of the derived results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lense-Thirring precession and frame-dragging effects
  • Familiarity with the concepts of gravitational physics
  • Basic knowledge of equations related to celestial mechanics
  • Awareness of spacecraft dynamics and flyby maneuvers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Lense-Thirring precession on spacecraft trajectories
  • Study the methodology used in the Nieto and Anderson paper, arXiv:0907.3418
  • Explore the Rosetta probe's flyby data and its relevance to flyby anomalies
  • Investigate the mathematical derivation of frame-dragging effects in general relativity
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, aerospace engineers, and researchers interested in gravitational physics and spacecraft navigation will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focused on understanding anomalies in spacecraft flybys.

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Not sure where to put this, but if it's wrong, sorry...
I just looked at the Nieto, Anderson paper on arXiv:
arXiv:0907.3418 "Earth Flyby Anomalies"

Funnily enough, it's about anomalies in the velocity of probes doing Earth flybys!

This has hit the scientific news (New Scientist this week) as they
have identified a specific amount that each one has been affected by
and a 'random' equation that seems to match the figure.
Today the Rosetta probe flyby could vindicate/trash this figure.

I must admit that I toyed with the equations and it is very easy to
come up with something close to the desired figure using various
methods. What worries me most about the 'random' equation is the
units the result would effectively be in...

I'm not a physicist (high school only!) but I love to read around these
things.
I've recently been reading about frame-dragging and Lense-Thirring
precession.
I was wondering whether the frame-dragging effect could cause the
perceived difference in incoming vs outgoing energy as observed.
Please be gentle...
 
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oh I forgot my personal favourite 'random' equation:

differentiate the formula for Lense-Thirring w.r.t to c dt.

i.e.
-2/5 Gmw/sqr(c)R

to get
-1/5 Gmw/cR

Apart from being the wrong sign and god knows what units,
the result is a gnat's whisker from the required one
(depending on how you calculate the radius of the earth!)

I could make up formulas for a living!
 

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