Abstract
The existence of third and fourth harmonics of the lunar gravity potential gives rise to sizable lunar physical librations. Using one recent set of potential estimates, the following effects are noted: the mean sub-Earth point is displaced from the earthward principal moment of inertia axis by 168″; the inclination of the lunar equator to the ecliptic is decreased by 14″.5; and a six year period libration in longitude, with amplitude 13″.1, is induced.
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Eckhardt, D.H. Physical librations due to the third and fourth degree harmonics of the lunar gravity potential. The Moon 6, 127–134 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02630658
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02630658