Lunar Motion Theory (Three-Body Problem)

Abstract

Victor D. Krasnov

Attempts to construct a definitive Lunar Motion Theory have persisted continuously since the era of Isaac Newton.

Modeling lunar orbital dynamics while accounting for the gravitational perturbations of the Earth, the Sun, and other planetary bodies is a most formidable challenge in astronomy.

The article presents a physical model and calculation of lunar motion, built on the laws set forth in the article Laws of Astronomy after I. Kepler and I. Newton https://disk.yandex.ru/i/212qCAN044YZEg . The results show that lunar motion is formed by a complex combination of Earth and Sun gravitational attraction components, acting on the Moon in the direction of the planetary system's motion.

We calculated lunar motion according to the presented physical model (Viktor's calculation spreadsheet - Google Sheets).

The calculation results for the interacting Earth-Sun-Moon system agree with the observed motion (published data) and confirm the presented Lunar Motion Theory.

The calculation can include any number of objects (planets) that influence lunar motion.

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