# Observing gravitational waves with solar system astrometry

**Authors:** Giorgio Mentasti, Carlo R. Contaldi  
**arXiv:** [2311.03474](https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.03474)  
**Date:** 2023-11-06  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2311.03474v1/

## Key points

- Investigating the influence of gravitational waves on celestial body positioning
- Exploring observational opportunities provided by this phenomenon
- Focusing on astrometric signal induced by isotropic Stochastic Gravitational Wave Background (SGWB)
- Analyzing proper motion of Solar System objects using Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTA)
- Deriving distinctive dipole and quadrupole correlations from SGWB
- Mentioning cases where these correlations may not be present
- Including both Einsteinian and non-Einsteinian polarizations in analysis
- Proposing tracking proper motions of solar system objects to estimate upper limits for SGWB amplitude
- Highlighting potential contributions from upcoming missions like Gaia satellite and Vera C. Rubin Observatory
- Referencing related studies by Mignard and Klioner, Qin et al., Golat and Contaldi, Mentasti et al., Book and Flanagan, Darling et al., Gaia Collaboration et al., Hellings and Downs, and Tanga et al.
- Providing additional context on astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, gravitational wave detection, astrophysical observations, and the Gaia mission

## Summary

In this study, the authors investigate the subtle influence of gravitational waves on the apparent positioning of celestial bodies and explore how this phenomenon can provide new observational opportunities. Specifically, they focus on the astrometric signal induced by an isotropic Stochastic Gravitational Wave Background (SGWB) in the short distance limit. The analysis centers around the proper motion of Solar System objects, which is a signal that can be addressed by Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTA). The authors derive astrometric deflection patterns resulting from the SGWB and find that they manifest as distinctive dipole and quadrupole correlations. However, in some cases, these correlations may not be present. The analysis encompasses both Einsteinian and non-Einsteinian polarizations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the effects of gravitational waves. To estimate the upper limits for the amplitude of a scale-invariant SGWB, the authors propose tracking the proper motions of large numbers of solar system objects such as asteroids. With upcoming missions like Gaia satellite and Vera C. Rubin Observatory poised to track extensive samples of asteroids ranging from $O(10^5)$ to $O(10^6)$, there is significant potential for similar surveys to contribute to our understanding of the SGWB. The authors also provide additional context by referencing related studies in their summary. They mention previous work by Mignard and Klioner (2012) [19], Qin et al. (2019) [20], Golat and Contaldi (2021) [21], and Mentasti et al. (2023) [22]. These references highlight relevant research on topics such as astronomy and astrophysics, cosmology, and gravitational wave observations. Furthermore, they cite studies by Book and Flanagan (2011) [10], Darling et al. (2018) [11], Gaia Collaboration et al. (2023) [12], Hellings and Downs (1983) [13], and Tanga et al. (2021) [14]. These references provide additional background information on subjects like gravitational wave detection, astrophysical observations, and the Gaia mission. Overall, this refined summary emphasizes the authors' investigation into the astrometric signal induced by an isotropic Stochastic Gravitational Wave Background in order to estimate its upper limits for amplitude through tracking proper motions of solar system objects such as asteroids with upcoming missions like Gaia satellite or Vera C Rubin Observatory with potential samples ranging from $O(10^5)-O(10^6)$. Additionally it highlights related studies in astronomy/astrophysics/cosmology/gravitational wave observations providing further context for understanding this phenomenon better while citing relevant sources for further reference purposes .