This publication presents a new gravitational theory based on the inclusion of a vector potential in the field. A magnetic-like flux modeled as the curl of the vector potential, analogous to electro¬magnetic phenomena, is produced by steady state mass currents in the sun and complements Newton's classical force expression. Effects of the vector potential and the magnetic-like flux appear in the observed planetary orbits, with the potential setting the orbit inclinations and the flux driving their spin configurations. A Fourier relationship exists between object position and velocity based on a specific angular momentum constant for the solar field, and the orbital states are derived from a standing wave equation where orbital energy E is the separation constant. The momentum constant may be compared to the reduced Planck constant of the atomic field divided by electron mass, but without particle statistics. The planets are located at nodes of the wave equation; however, the populations depend on the availability of mass and not all allowed states are occupied. Theory results for planetary orbit inclinations and mean radii agree with observations to the third significant digit. Body precessions for the Earth and Mars are also modeled using reference frames based on the presence of the potential and the flux. The Earth's Chandler Wobble and its far-term nutation are derived correctly for the first time, using the planet's observed oblateness and movement of the Tropic of Cancer. The nutation period averages about 106,000 years, in good agreement with the Milankovic theory and the average of the measured Ice Ages. Analysis of the advance of the perihelion of Mercury's orbit and of anomalies observed in the trajectories of Pioneer 10 and 11 spacecraft are also included. Possible sources for the perihelion advance include a relativity theory computation, the gravitational equivalent of Larmor precession, and a quadrupole moment for the sun. Application of the flux to Pioneer spacecraft trajectories explains the onset of the observed anomalies, their magnitudes, and gradual extinctions. The second edition summarily compares electromagnetic and gravitational theories, concluding that gravity waves propagate at the speed of light and that the equivalents of Maxwell's equations apply to the gravitational field. Also included is a discussion of the wrong velocity results provided by relativity theory for the Doppler shifts of rays from distant galaxies. It is also shown that neither the Michelson-Morley experiment results nor the non-parallax aberration of starlight are dependent on special relativity for their explanations. The presentation closes with a straightforward cosmology theory which provides a first-order model for expansion of the universe and shows that the expansion is slowing and will likely become a collapse at a future date. A model of the Milky Way is additionally provided, proving that its spiral mass distribution in the outer arms is exponential, as observed, and is not dominated by dark matter. Derivations of Hubble constant multipliers of two-thirds and one-half are included, where the two-thirds factor reflects the time-explicit solution of Newton's gravitational equation, and the one-half factor is due to the rotational influence of a magnetic-like flux.
About the Author: Thomas W. Hill holds a Ph.D. degree in theoretical physics from the University of North Carolina, and accomplished his professional career in the defense industry as an aerospace scientist. Hill is now retired, living on a farm in western North Carolina, near Asheville. This work is the result of years of research and study of a beloved topic while living in retirement. Hill works alone and is not associated with any institution, nor has he sought approval of his efforts by such organizations. For questions and/or comments regarding this publication, Hill can be reached at thomaswhill@bellsouth.net.