On the unreasonable effectiveness of the post-Newtonian approximation in gravitational physics

A Comparison between Second-Order Post-Newtonian Hamiltonian and Coherent Post-Newtonian Lagrangian in Spinning Compact Binaries

In relativistic celestial mechanics, post-Newtonian (PN) Lagrangian and PN Hamiltonian formulations are not equivalent to the same PN order as our previous work in PRD (2015). Usually, an approximate Lagrangian is used to discuss the difference between a PN Hamiltonian and a PN Lagrangian. In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of compact binary systems for Hamiltonians and Lagrangians, including Newtonian, post-Newtonian (1PN and 2PN), and spin–orbit coupling and spin–spin coupling parts. Additionally, coherent equations of motion for 2PN Lagrangian are adopted here to make the comparison with Hamiltonian approaches and approximate Lagrangian approaches at the same condition and same PN order. The completely opposite nature of the dynamics shows that using an approximate PN Lagrangian is not convincing. Hence, using the coherent PN Lagrangian is necessary for obtaining an exact result in the research of dynamics of compact binary at certain PN order. Meanwhile, numerical investigations from the spinning compact binaries show that the 2PN term plays an important role in causing chaos in the PN Hamiltonian system.

Monitoring Jovian Orbital Resonances of a Spacecraft: Classical and Relativistic Effects

Orbital resonances continue to be one of the most difficult problems in celestial mechanics. They have been studied in connection with the so-called Kirkwood gaps in the asteroid belt for many years. On the other hand, resonant trans-Neptunian objects are also an active area of research in Solar System dynamics, as are the recently discovered resonances in extrasolar planetary systems. A careful monitoring of the trajectories of these objects is hindered by the small size of asteroids or the large distances of the trans-Neptunian bodies. In this paper, we propose a mission concept, called CHRONOS (after the greek god of time), in which a spacecraft could be sent to with the initial condition of resonance with Jupiter in order to study the future evolution of its trajectory. We show that radio monitoring of these trajectories could allow for a better understanding of the initial stages of the evolution of resonant trajectories and the associated relativistic effects.

Parametrizing Theories of Gravity on Large and Small Scales in Cosmology

We present a link between parametrizations of alternative theories of gravity on large and small scales in cosmology. This relationship is established using theoretical consistency conditions only. We find that in both limits the "slip" and "effective Newton's constant" can be written in terms of a set of four functions of time, two of which are direct generalizations of the α and γ parameters from post-Newtonian physics. This generalizes previous work that has constructed frameworks for testing gravity on small scales, and is to the best of our knowledge the first time that a link between parametrizations of gravity on such very different scales has been established. We expect our result to facilitate the imposition of observational constraints, by drastically reducing the number of functional degrees of freedom required to consistently test gravity on multiple scales in cosmology.

The Confrontation between General Relativity and Experiment

The status of experimental tests of general relativity and of theoretical frameworks for analyzing them is reviewed and updated. Einstein's equivalence principle (EEP) is well supported by experiments such as the Eötvös experiment, tests of local Lorentz invariance and clock experiments. Ongoing tests of EEP and of the inverse square law are searching for new interactions arising from unification or quantum gravity. Tests of general relativity at the post-Newtonian level have reached high precision, including the light deflection, the Shapiro time delay, the perihelion advance of Mercury, the Nordtvedt effect in lunar motion, and frame-dragging. Gravitational wave damping has been detected in an amount that agrees with general relativity to better than half a percent using the Hulse-Taylor binary pulsar, and a growing family of other binary pulsar systems is yielding new tests, especially of strong-field effects. Current and future tests of relativity will center on strong gravity and gravitational waves.