A relativistic theory of motion of the inner planets

Abstract

The theory of the motion of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars is constructed by numerical integration. The theory takes into account relativistic corrections in the frame of Schwarzschild's space-time metrics. The constants of the theory are determined by discussion of the Soviet and American radar observations of Mercury, Venus and Mars, position astrometric observations of these planets (and the Sun) and observations of the Soviet artificial satellites of Venus. Apart from the planet elements the value AU and corrections to the adopted radii of Mercury, Venus and Mars are determined. Statistics of residuals is given and accuracy of the theory is estimated. The theory presented is an ephemeris base for deep space experiments.