Earthbound asteroids may be tracked more precisely using new equation

Building on concepts introduced by Sir Isaac Newton and advanced by Albert Einstein's general relativity, researchers have devised a method to pinpoint the positions of minor solar system objects, such as asteroids, Kuiper Belt objects, and comets from the distant Oort Cloud.

In a study published in the 'Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society', Professor Oscar del Barco Novillo of the University of Murcia in Spain presents an exact calculation of the gravitational bending of light (GBL) angle. This equation factors in the positions of the light source, observer, and a static massive object like the Sun or slowly moving planets.

Newton theorized the gravitational bending of light, and Einstein's 1915 general relativity provided a way to predict this deflection. However, Professor Novillo's work offers an equation that enhances accuracy when determining the locations of celestial objects, including asteroids that might pose a threat to Earth.

"This could have implications on the precise positioning of distant stars, as well as the correct location of solar system minor objects like asteroids, to a better estimation of their exact orbits," Novillo stated. He emphasized the potential for this advancement to benefit various fields of astronomy, including celestial mechanics and stellar dynamics.

The application of this equation extends beyond asteroid tracking. It could help refine the positions of distant stars, such as Proxima Centauri, located 4.25 light-years away, along with its orbiting exoplanets. Additionally, the method could enable more accurate mapping of galaxies and their clusters, particularly through weak gravitational lensing.

This precision is crucial for missions like the European Space Agency's Euclid spacecraft, which recently began its mission to study dark matter and dark energy by mapping the Universe's structure. Over the next six years, Euclid will observe billions of galaxies to construct the largest-ever cosmic 3D map.

According to Novillo, "The fundamental significance of our new equation is its high accurateness for the GBL angle calculation due to a static gravitational mass, in comparison with previous approximate equations based on the post-Newtonian formalism."

The research highlights the potential for significant advancements in astrometry - the field of measuring the precise positions and movements of celestial bodies. This new approach promises to refine measurements of mass distribution in galaxy clusters and enhance predictions for the orbits of near-Earth objects.

The paper, 'An accurate equation for the gravitational bending of light by a static massive object', is now available in the 'Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society'.

Research Report:An accurate equation for the gravitational bending of light by a static massive object