Relativistic celestial mechanics of the solar system

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This authoritative text explores the theoretical development of gravitational physics in relation to celestial body dynamics and precise astronomical observations. It addresses the need for a comprehensive resource on modern dynamical astronomy, emphasizing the relativistic aspects stemming from the curved geometry of four-dimensional spacetime. The initial chapters cover fundamental principles of celestial mechanics, special relativity, and general relativity, establishing a foundation for understanding relativistic reference frames, N-body systems, and high-precision astrometry, navigation, and geodesy, which are elaborated upon in subsequent chapters. The concluding chapter reviews the emerging field of applied relativity, incorporating recent recommendations from the International Astronomical Union. Designed for advanced undergraduate honors programs and graduate courses, the book also serves as a valuable reference for professional researchers in relativity and dynamical astronomy. The authors, Sergei Kopeikin, Michael Efroimsky, and George Kaplan, bring extensive theoretical and practical expertise to the subject, with affiliations to the University of Missouri and the United States Naval Observatory, renowned for its contributions to astrometry, celestial mechanics, and timekeeping.