[PLS] ZhenLiang Tian (Southern University of Science and Technology)

“Lunar Theory: from Naval Practice to Perturbation Theory”

The problem of determining one’s longitude at sea was a challenge to Columbus as well as the British Navy. Longitude can be determined if the Moon’s motion is known. However, mismatchs between theory and the actual motion perplexed Newton, and even led Clairaut to doubt the inverse-square gravitational law. Euler developed new mathematical tools, and then lunar tables fit for navigation became available in 1766. A brief introduction will be given on how the lunar theory can be developed in a modern mechanics context.

Planetary Lunch Seminar —

Colloquia topics span the range of research interests of the department’s planetary sciences research program, and the talks are intended to appeal to any graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, and faculty with a background in planetary science. Speakers include members of the MIT community and visitors.

Contact: planetary-org@mit.edu