International Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Vol.1 No.4(2011), Article ID:16378,4 pages DOI:10.4236/ijaa.2011.14025

Relativistic Warning to Space Missions Aimed to Reach Phobos

Alexander P. Yefremov

Institute of Gravitation and Cosmology of Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia

E-mail: a.yefremov@rudn.ru

Received October 5, 2011; revised November 15, 2011; accepted November 27, 2011

Keywords: Planet, Satellite, Earth, Mars, Phobos, Acceleration, Shift, Quaternion, Relativity

Abstract

Disagreement in estimations of the observed acceleration of Phobos yields several theories empirically modifying classical description of motion of the satellite, but its orbital positions detected by Mars-aimed spacecraft differ from predictions. It is shown that the satellite’s orbital perturbations can be explained as manifestations of the relativistic time-delay effect ignored in classical models. So computed limits of Phobos’ acceleration essentially exceed the experimental values. The satellite’s expected orbital shift is calculated for the moment of contact with a landing module of the Phobos-Grunt project; the shift assessed in kilometers may prevent the mission success. Limits of the apparent relativistic accelerations are predicted for fast satellites of Jupiter.

1. Introduction: Phobos’ Irregular Motion, Theory and Practice

A satellite of the planet Mars, Phobos, discovered by A. Hall in 1877 still attracts great attention. In 1911 after years of observations H. Struve offered a classical theory of Martian satellites’ motion taking into account the planet’s oblate shape and solar gravity. In 1945 B. Sharpless discovered a secular increase of Phobos velocity [1] and surmised that the moon was spiraling in toward Mars. I.Shklovski ascribing the orbit’s decay to atmospheric friction concluded that the moon could be hollow [2], maybe artificial, but the orbit’s evolution was also referred to influence of tidal forces [3]. Later mathematical models [4-6] were developed in attempts to better explain observational results, some of conclusions though uncertain about the acceleration value and even sign.

Cosmic era made Phobos a desired but hardly accessible goal. In 1988 Russian Phobos-1 (said badly operated) passed by the target while Phobos-2 disappeared at 50 m from the moon’s surface. In 1999 Mars Climate Orbiter (NASA, also said badly operated) was lost near Phobos’ orbit, and Mars Polar Lander vanished hardly touching the Martian atmosphere. In 2003 Beagle-2 (UK) shared the destiny without any firm conclusion of the loss. Survivors showed deficiency of existing theories: Mariner 9 (NASA, 1971) [7,8] and Mars Express (ESA, 2004) [9] found Phobos in kilometers ahead of its expected position. A new space mission Phobos-Grunt (Russia) is planned soon [10]; if its computer program determines the target position using old models, the project may have problems.

Another reason of the Phobos’ motion irregularity is considered here on the base of relativity theory. Section 2 comprises deduction of formulae for apparent acceleration and for relativistic shift of a solar system planet’s satellite observed from the Earth, using methods of quaternion model of relativity. In Section 3 calculated and experimental values of the Phobos’ acceleration are compared, and the shift value is assessed for the Phobos-Grunt space mission. A compact discussion is found in Section 4 with prediction of relativistic shift of fast satellites of Jupiter potentially observed from the Earth.

2. Relativistic Explanation

Let the Earth (frame of reference) and a planet of the solar system (, e.g. Mars) have circular trajectories (for simplicity) in ecliptic plane and revolve about the Sun with velocities of constant values. A planet’s satellite with orbital period (from viewpoint of) can be regarded as a clock. The value of relative velocity is found as

, (1)

where is the difference of orbital angular velocities of the Earth and the planet, is a -angle, its zero initial value is chosen at the planets’ opposition point (where the Martian satellites are usually observed optically [6]). The relative velocity value is always different from zero, , hence a relativistic time-delay effect exists. A clock belonging to should be slow in, i.e. the satellite, as a point of -clock’s arrow, should be seen in at earlier position on its orbit than it is in. Emphasize two features of the effect. First, it is accumulated with time since the satellite’s apparent shift increases, so the effect is potentially detected. Second, the -observer will find the satellite’s motion non-uniform, since the relative velocity is variable, , the frames, being non-inertial. This hampers computation of the shift-effect by means of Special Relativity (SR) valid for inertial frames of reference, though SR can be applied locally as it is done in [11] in the deduction of formula for the Thomas precession. But here assessment of the relativistic shift is done with the help of a more “technological” approach based on quaternion square root from SR space-time interval, the method admitting computation of relativistic effects for arbitrary frames without addressing tensor calculus of general relativity. The quaternion model of relativity theory is described in detail in Ref. [12], below its very short description is given.

It is straightforwardly verified that multiplication of quaternions, the hypercomplex numbers built on one scalar (ordinary) unit and three non-commutative vector units, is invariant under rotations of the vector units by matrices belonging to special orthogonal group with complex parameters

(2)

(summation in the repeating indices is assumed here and further on), , the group being 1:1 isomorphic to the Lorentz group. It is also proved that similar rotations keep form of the vector-quaternion

, (3)

under the space-time orthogonality condition, where are differentials of a particle’s spacetime coordinates in a frame, is any unit vector. The square of the vector-interval (3) yields, the Minkowski-type space-time interval of SR, so instead of invariance of this interval one can analyze form-invariance of thus obtaining all cinematic effects of SR with an additional advantage to consider non-inertial frames of reference [12,13]. Apply the method for computation of characteristics of the satellite’s motion estimated by an Earth’s observer.

The form-invariant vector-interval describing the relativistic system “Earth-planet (satellite)” is chosen in the form automatically satisfying the space-time orthogonality condition

(4)

the fundamental velocity с is constant, is a proper time interval in, is respective time interval of the observer. The cinematic situation described by (4) is equivalent to the transformation of the type (2) with the matrix

(5)

what leads to standard expression for relative velocity as a function of hyperbolic parameter, and to the time-delay relation

(6)

apparently the same as in SR but valid for the non-inertial case. Now let the time-interval be period of the satellite’s revolution measured in (in fact, a physically real period, in this case is small compared to, time of observation), and be the similar “period” (here a variable magnitude) observed from. Then (6) acquire the form

(7)

so the period observed from the Earth is always greater that the real one. But search for the period’s difference, whatever desirable it could be, is of no use since relativistic corrections, important as will be shown below, would be slurred over by uncertainty of our knowledge of the involved magnitudes: gravitational constant [14], the planet’s and the satellite’s physical parameters [15]. So only the limits of the satellite’s acceleration value and an integral apparent shift will be assessed with possible accuracy.

Making future expressions compact, denote,

and using (1, 7) find (up to the small A, B) the difference between the values of satellite’s real orbital velocity estimated in, and observed velocity estimated in

(8)

r being the radius of the satellite’s orbit. Differentiation of (8) with respect to time of observation leads to formula for apparent satellite’s acceleration

(9)

Now using (8) find the satellite’s orbital shift, the difference between its real position and that observed from the Earth

(10)

the integration constant is chosen zero assuming no shift at the beginning of the observation. As expected the shift’s value monotonously grows linearly in time with imposed cyclic displacements having period of the oppositions.

3. Computations of the Effects for the Relativistic Earth-Mars (Phobos) System

Let the planet and satellite be Mars and Phobos. Observed secular acceleration of Phobos cited in literature varies from [1] to zero [3] and to the negative value [4,6] deg∙yr2, in degrees of the satellite’s longitude in a year, one degree of Phobos’ orbit (1/180 of the orbit length) equal to 327 km. Calculation of respective relativistic values requires the following (conventional) data available in many sources, e.g. in [15]

Fundamental velocity

Earth’s orbital velocity

Mars’ mean orbital velocity

Earth-Mars angular velocity difference

Phobos’ orbital velocity

then the small unit-free coefficients are found as ,.

Using formula (9) find upper limit (amplitude) of the apparent acceleration caused by relativistic reasons

(11)

Thus the experimental acceleration values are found well inside the limits (11) of the apparent acceleration, its sign depending on the observational data obtained before or after the opposition point. In particular, if the data fixed in a month before the Mars-Earth opposition is compared with that obtained at the opposition point, then the conclusion should be made that the satellite moves with an acceleration having the value cited in Ref. [1]. Vice versa, the satellite’s decaleration [4,6] should be detected if the observation is done a couple of weeks after the opposition peak.

Now turn to Equation (10) to assess the Phobos’ apparent orbital shift for parameters of the mission Phobos-Grunt. The mission is planned to start at the end of 2011, and it is expected to reach Phobos within of flight. The satellite’s orbital parameters for the spacecraft’s computer program could be obtained at the last opposition in Jan. 2010 (i.e. plus to the flight time) or, for higher accuracy, in the last perihelion opposition in Aug. 2003 (plus), thus the time intervals between the observations and the spacecraft-moon contact are or. So if the relativistic effect is ignored, the mission can find Phobos in or ahead of its expected position, as earlier missions did. These shifts appear to be not too great compared to the moon’s size (), moreover, corrections of spacecraft’s Martian orbits are foreseen. But the shift-effect seems worth to be taken into account in advance since a light signal correcting the spacecraft position will have to cover twice the EarthMars distance of (at the planned contact moment), and it will do it within 24 minutes, a time sufficient for displacement of the spacecraft on its Martian orbit (recall for comparison the last of Phobos-2).

An independent effect of apparent replacement of Phobos arises when distance between the satellite and an observer changes, light velocity being finite. Elliptic shape of the Mars’ orbit makes this phenomenon essential for the Earth’s observer; as well a Phobos’ virtual acceleration must be detected by a spacecraft as it approaches the moon. But this effect is obvious and hopefully is taken into account in any space mission.

4. Discussion and a Prediction

The above given formulas and numbers should of course be regarded only as a zero-iteration to a mathematical job good enough for engineering purposes. Strict computational technology must take into account a series of essential details, among them eccentricity of the planets’ orbits, dependence on time of the velocities, and certainly reliable values of the satellite’s dynamic parameters refined from synthesis of observations and theoretic considerations, e.g. solution of the moon’s equation of motion in Schwarzschild (or even Kerr) gravity as well as gravitational influence of other moons. But realization of these improvements is technologically clear, and if necessary it can be successfully performed. Nonetheless the shift-effect is noted. In reality its existence will hardly cause troubles for spacecraft aimed to explore a planet due to tiny probability to meet a small moon. But if the goal is the moon itself the effect may become important. Hence to a certain extent it must be taken into consideration, and in particular in the planned Phobos-Grunt project; otherwise the mission will be under a noticeable “relativistic danger”.

Note in conclusion that the relativistic shift-effect potentially can be detected in the motion of other satellites of the solar system planets; e.g. the Earth-Jupiter relative motion should cause apparent acceleration of fast satellites of Jupiter. Assess the range of the acceleration values for the fastest Jovian moons Metis and Adrastea, necessary data given below

mean orbital velocity of Jupiter

Earth-Jupiter angular velocity difference

mean orbital velocity of Metis

mean orbital velocity of Adrastea cm∙s–1

The unit-free coefficient being. As is done above for Phobos, the range of the acceleration values is calculated with the help of formula (9). So it is predicted here that precise experimental measurement of parameters of Jovian satellites’ motion may lead to descovery of the moons acceleration inside the limits for Metis one degree of Metis’ orbit equal to, and for Adrasteaone degree of Adrastea’s orbit equal to.

5. Reference

[1]       B. P. Sharpless, “Secular Acceleration in the Longitudes of the Satellites of Mars,” Astronomical Journal, Vol. 51, 1945, pp. 185-186. doi:10.1086/105871

[2]       I. S. Shklovsky, “The Universe, Life, and Mind,” Academy of Sciences USSR, Moscow, 1962, pp.156-165

[3]       G. A. Wilkins, “Meeting of Royal Astronomical Society,” The Observatory, Vol. 90, No. 976, 1970, pp.37-38.

[4]       A. T. Sinclair, “The Motions of the Satellites of Mars,” Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol. 155, 1972, pp. 249-274.

[5]       G. A. Wilkins and A. T. Sinclair, “The Dynamic of the Planets and Their Satellites,” Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Vol. 336, No. 1604, 1974, pp. 85-104. doi:10.1098/rspa.1974.0008

[6]       V. A. Shor, “The Motion of the Martian Satellites,” Celestial Mechanics Vol. 12, No. 1, 1975, pp. 61-75. doi:10.1007/BF01228625

[7]       G. H. Born and T. C. Duxbury, “The Methods of Phobos and Deimos from Mariner 9 TV Data,” Celestial Mechanics Vol. 12, 1975, pp. 77-88. doi:10.1007/BF01228626

[8]       A. T. Sinclair, “The Orbits of the Satellites of Mars Determined from Earth Based and Spacecraft Observations,” Astronomy and Astrophysics, Vol. 220, No. 2, 1989, pp. 321-328.

[9]    European Space Agency, “Mars Express,” 2009. http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Mars_Express/SEM21TVJD1E_0.html

[10]    Russian Space Web, 2011. http://www.russianspaceweb.com/phobos_grunt.html

[11]    E. F. Taylor and J. A. Wheeler, “Space-Time Physics,” W. H. Freeman & C, San Francisco, London, 1966.

[12]    A. P. Yefremov, “Quaternion Model of Relativity: Solutions for Non-Inertial Motions and New Effects,” Advanced Science Letter, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2008, pp. 79-86.

[13]    A. P. Yefremov, “Algebra, Geometry and Physical Theories,” Hypercomplex Numbers in Geometry and Physics, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2004, pp. 105-120.

[14]    G. T. Gilles, “The Newtonian Gravitational Constant, Resent Measurements and Related Studies,” Report on Progress in Physics, Vol. 60, No. 2, 1997, pp.151-225. doi:10.1088/0034-4885/60/2/001

[15]    H. H. Kieffer, B. M. Jakosky, C. W. Snyder and M. S. Matthews, Eds., “Mars,” University of Arizona Press, Tucson, 1993.