The Scalar Ether-Theory of Gravitation and its First Test in Celestial Mechanics

The motivations for investigating a theory of gravitation based on a concept of “ether” are discussed-- a crucial point is the existence of an alternative interpretation of special relativity, named the Lorentz-Poincar'e ether theory. The basic equations of one such theory of gravity, based on just one scalar field, are presented. To check this theory in celestial mechanics, an “asymptotic” scheme of post-Newtonian (PN) approximation is summarized and its difference with the standard PN scheme is emphasized. The derivation of PN equations of motion for the mass centers, based on the asymptotic scheme, is outlined. They are implemented for the major bodies of the solar system and the prediction for Mercury is compared with an ephemeris based on general relativity.