An Introduction to Celestial Mechanics

A clear, concise introduction to all the major features of solar system dynamics, ideal for a first course.

Richard Fitzpatrick (Author)

9781107023819, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 June 2012

276 pages, 73 b/w illus. 8 tables 124 exercises
26.2 x 18.3 x 1.8 cm, 0.68 kg

'Fitzpatrick's text is excellent … [his] exposition is relatively flawless in its execution … [this book] is a valuable addition to the pedagogy of the field and has perhaps the clearest exposition of any celestial mechanics text for upper-level undergraduate students. For some students, Fitzpatrick will be approaching perfection.' Arlin Crotts, Physics Today

This accessible text on classical celestial mechanics, the principles governing the motions of bodies in the Solar System, provides a clear and concise treatment of virtually all of the major features of solar system dynamics. Building on advanced topics in classical mechanics such as rigid body rotation, Langrangian mechanics and orbital perturbation theory, this text has been written for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students in astronomy, physics, mathematics and related fields. Specific topics covered include Keplerian orbits, the perihelion precession of the planets, tidal interactions between the Earth, Moon and Sun, the Roche radius, the stability of Lagrange points in the three-body problem and lunar motion. More than 100 exercises allow students to gauge their understanding and a solutions manual is available to instructors. Suitable for a first course in celestial mechanics, this text is the ideal bridge to higher level treatments.

Preface
1. Newtonian mechanics
2. Newtonian gravity
3. Keplerian orbits
4. Orbits in central force-fields
5. Rotating reference frames
6. Lagrangian mechanics
7. Rigid body rotation
8. Three-body problem
9. Secular perturbation theory
10. Lunar motion
Appendix A: useful mathematics
Appendix B: derivation of Lagrange planetary equations
Appendix C: expansion of orbital evolution equations
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH], Astronomy, space & time [PG], Mathematics & science [P]