Gravitation emanates outward from the Sun, with the planets “floating” on the wave-like fishing bobbers. The 2nd largest body, Jupiter, presumably generates waves, and the interference between the two wavefronts establishes each planet at a stability point in the Sun-Jupiter 3BP. The original research I did circa 1982 had a time function derived from the angular and rotational velocity of the planets. I was focused on the energy characteristics, but since it has rotation and revolution, those both constitute time.
The NASA Research
The six orbital elements for each planet are reduced to two plus time. This number is further reduced by the Titus-Bode Law, which eliminates one variable for each planet (the average radius), while also suggesting a time constraint (which is not as good as time itself, but it helps).
I presented this research in a Regularization class taught by Victor Szebehely, the foremost authority in celestial mechanics of the modern era. He loved the project and said, “All you need to do is add time to your equations, and you’ll get your name lit up in lights.”
Testing the Model
A good model leads to new insights. This one suggests explanations for (1) the rings around the outer planets, (2) the retrograde rotation of Venus and Uranus, (3) the presence of the asteroid belt, (4) the unusual relationship between Earth and the Moon, and (5) the orientation of the axis of rotation of the planets. Each of these eliminates another variable, if not in the orbital characteristics, then in the complete characterization of the planet’s behavior.
I came up with a possible time function in my dissertation but didn’t pursue it further.
Jovian Family of Comets
A whole family of comets lives inside Jupiter’s orbit. This suggests the Sun and Jupiter as the predominant players both inside and beyond the solar system; the dichotomy is suggested by the photon helix as light passes the sun.
Conclusion
Dr. Szebehely was right that my analysis lacked time, but it was still far more than that required for a dissertation. I later tried to get credit for that class (which I took the semester before I started graduate school), but my graduate advisor refused.