Published February 25, 2025 | Version v3
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The Quo Vadis Effect: A Graviton-Based Explanation of Mercury's Perihelion Precession

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon University of New Hampshire

Description

We propose the Quo Vadis Effect (QVE), a velocity-dependent correction to Newtonian gravity arising from gravitational aberration. Unlike General Relativity (GR), which explains Mercury’s perihelion precession via space-time curvature, the QVE operates within a Newtonian framework without modifying the geometry of space-time. 

The core mechanism of the QVE is that an orbiting body perceives gravitons arriving at an apparent velocity greater than c due to aberration. This results in two simultaneous effects: (1) an increased flux of gravitons and (2) an enhanced force per graviton, leading to a total gravitational force correction proportional to (1 + (v/c)²). This correction modifies the gravitational potential energy, reproducing the standard GR prediction for Mercury’s perihelion precession.

A similar velocity-dependent correction was previously explored by Wayne (2015), albeit without a clear physical derivation, speculating on possible friction-like effects. In contrast, the QVE provides a well-defined mechanism based on gravitational aberration.

Beyond Mercury’s orbit, the QVE may have broader implications, including potential corrections to GPS satellite clocks and alternative explanations for galaxy rotation curves without invoking dark matter. Additionally, it may offer insights into cosmic acceleration if graviton propagation exhibits similar aberration effects at cosmological scales.

By demonstrating that a Newtonian approach incorporating gravitational aberration can recover key relativistic results, the QVE suggests a possible bridge between classical mechanics and quantum gravity, warranting further investigation.

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Additional details

Funding

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
SUPRATHERMAL AND ENERGETIC PARTICLE STUDIES WITH ACE 80NSSC23K0975
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Multispacecraft Energetic Particle Enhancements 80NSSC23K1470

Dates

Updated
2025-02-25

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