Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

The orbit of Proxima Centauri: a MOND versus standard Newtonian distinction

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Astrophysics and Space Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Possible orbits for the motion of Proxima Centauri about α-Centauri A/B are derived according to standard Newtonian conditions and under the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) paradigm. Likely orbits are derived under the assumption that Proxima is coeval with α-Centauri A/B, located at, or very close to apastron, and that its radial velocity will ultimately be determined as being of order −22.15 km/s—bringing it closer to the observed radial velocity value for α-Centauri A/B. It is found under standard Newtonian conditions that Proxima might occupy an orbit described according to a semi-major axis and eccentricity of (a,e)=(8,500,0.78)—resulting in an orbital period of some 53,500 years. If Proxima’s motion is constrained to move entirely under weak-field MOND conditions then a provisional orbit having (a,e)=(12,527,0.2) is obtained. In principle, we argue, by obtaining an ultra-precise value for the radial velocity of Proxima a distinction between the standard Newtonian gravity and the MOND orbital approximations can be made.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Martin Beech.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Beech, M. The orbit of Proxima Centauri: a MOND versus standard Newtonian distinction. Astrophys Space Sci 333, 419–426 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-011-0665-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10509-011-0665-2

Keywords

Navigation