Calculate orbital precession from LFM's χ field gradient. The same formula as Einstein's General Relativity, but explained by a real field effect rather than curved geometry.
Newtonian orbits: Close perfectly (ellipses)
Real orbits: Precess slowly (rosette pattern)
LFM explanation: The χ field gradient near the Sun creates an additional effective potential, causing the orbit's perihelion to advance.
// Precession per orbit
δφ = 6πGM/(ac²(1-e²))
// LFM χ gradient
∇χ → extra radial force
→ orbit doesn't close
✓ Identical to GR result
Discovered Mercury's orbit precessed ~43"/century more than Newtonian mechanics could explain. Proposed a hidden planet "Vulcan" (never found).
General Relativity predicted exactly 42.98"/century. Einstein later said this calculation gave him "heart palpitations" - GR's first triumph.
Same prediction, different explanation: The χ field gradient near the Sun creates an additional effective potential. Real field, not curved geometry.
| Source | Precession ("/century) |
|---|---|
| Perturbation from Venus | 277.86 |
| Perturbation from Jupiter | 153.58 |
| Perturbation from Earth | 90.04 |
| Other planets + Sun oblateness | 10.15 |
| Newtonian Total | 531.63 |
| χ field gradient (LFM/GR) | +42.98 |
| Predicted Total | 574.61 |
| Observed | 574.10 ± 0.65 |
Mercury's highly eccentric orbit (e = 0.2056) means it experiences significant χ variation between perihelion and aphelion.
Precession exaggerated 50,000× to make visible. In reality, Mercury's orbit takes ~225,000 years to complete one full rotation.
Each color shade represents a different orbit. The perihelion (closest point) rotates around the Sun.
δφ = 6πGM/(ac²(1-e²)) per orbit
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