A very simple derivation of the periastron advance to all post-Newtonian orders of perturbation in Schwarzschild geometry

We present an extremely simple derivation of the general relativistic periastron advance for Schwarzschild geometry. The method lends itself to iteration, and so in principle may achieve an arbitrary level of accuracy with relative ease. Our technique involves no analysis of differential equations beyond that of a simple harmonic oscillator. The practical utility of the calculation is limited by its neglect of frame-dragging rotational effects.

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Publication Details

Journal
American Journal of Physics
Published
2025-10-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0273160
Primary Topic
Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations
Type
article
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article

A very simple derivation of the periastron advance to all post-Newtonian orders of perturbation in Schwarzschild geometry

Steven A. Balbus
American Journal of Physics
Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations
article

A very simple derivation of the periastron advance to all post-Newtonian orders of perturbation in Schwarzschild geometry

Steven A. Balbus
article en

Abstract

We present an extremely simple derivation of the general relativistic periastron advance for Schwarzschild geometry. The method lends itself to iteration, and so in principle may achieve an arbitrary level of accuracy with relative ease. Our technique involves no analysis of differential equations beyond that of a simple harmonic oscillator. The practical utility of the calculation is limited by its neglect of frame-dragging rotational effects.

American Journal of PhysicsVol. 93(11)
University of Oxford (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 79%
Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations
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