Bertrand Chauvineau

On the limit of Brans–Dicke theory when ω → ∞

We discuss the problem of the limit of the Brans?Dicke theory (BDT) in the limit ? ?, when the trace of the stress tensor is not zero. It is shown that a BDT solution, with T ? 0, known in the framework of anisotropic cosmology, fails to converge to the general relativity theory (GRT) corresponding solution. Considering the spherically symmetric field problem, it is shown that the argument leading to the convergence in the static case is lost when the non-static case is considered. These remarks suggest that the non-convergence of BDT to GRT could be the general behaviour, even if T ? 0, except for some (most?) of the highly symmetric solutions, including most of the known ones. The impact on gravitational radiation detection is emphasized.

Scalar–tensor propagation of light in the inner solar system including relevant c−4 contributions for ranging and time transfer

In a recent paper (Minazzoli and Chauvineau 2009 Phys. Rev. D 79 084027), motivated by forthcoming space experiments involving propagation of light in the solar system, we have proposed an extension of the IAU metric equations at the c−4 level in general relativity. However, scalar–tensor theories may induce corrections numerically comparable to the c−4 general relativistic terms. Accordingly, one first proposes in this paper an extension of Minazzoli and Chauvineau (2009) to the scalar–tensor case. The case of a hierarchized system (such as the solar system) is emphasized. In this case, the relevant metric solution is proposed. Then, the corresponding isotropic geodesic solution relevant for distance measurements and time transfers in the inner solar system is given in explicit form.In a recent paper [1], motivated by forthcoming space experiments involving propagation of light in the Solar System, we have proposed an extention of the IAU metric equations at the c level in General Relativity. However, scalar-tensor theories may induce corrections numerically comparable to the c general relativistic terms. Accordingly, one first proposes in this paper an extension of [1] to the scalar-tensor case. The case of a hierarchized system (such as the Solar system) is emphasized. In this case, the relevant metric solution is proposed. Then, the geodesic solution relevant for propagation of light in the inner solar system at the millimetric level is given in explicit form. PACS numbers : 04.25.Nx; 04.50.-h

PICARD SOL mission, a ground-based facility for long-term solar radius measurement

For the last thirty years, ground time series of the solar radius have shown different variations according to different instruments. The origin of these variations may be found in the observer, the instrument, the atmosphere and the Sun. These time series show inconsistencies and conflicting results, which likely originate from instrumental effects and/or atmospheric effects. A survey of the solar radius was initiated in 1975 by F. Laclare, at the Calern site of the Observatoire de la Cˆote d’Azur (OCA). PICARD is an investigation dedicated to the simultaneous measurements of the absolute total and spectral solar irradiance, the solar radius and solar shape, and to the Sun’s interior probing by the helioseismology method. The PICARD mission aims to the study of the origin of the solar variability and to the study of the relations between the Sun and the Earth’s climate by using modeling. These studies will be based on measurements carried out from orbit and from the ground. PICARD SOL is the ground segment of the PICARD mission to allow a comparison of the solar radius measured in space and on ground. PICARD SOL will enable to understand the influence of the atmosphere on the measured solar radius. The PICARD Sol instrumentation consists of: SODISM II, a replica of SODISM (SOlar Diameter Imager and Surface Mapper), a high resolution imaging telescope, and MISOLFA (Moniteur d’Images SOLaires Franco-Alg´erien), a seeing monitor. Additional instrumentation consists in a Sun photometer, which measures atmospheric aerosol properties, a pyranometer to measure the solar irradiance, a visible camera, and a weather station. PICARD SOL is operating since March 2011. First results from the PICARD SOL mission are briefly reported in this paper.

Atmospheric seeing measurements obtained with MISOLFA in the framework of the PICARD Mission

PICARD is a space mission launched in June 2010 to study mainly the geometry of the Sun. The PICARD mission has a ground program consisting mostly in four instruments based at the Calern Observatory (Observatoire de la Cˆote d’Azur). They allow recording simultaneous solar images and various atmospheric data from ground. The ground instruments consist in the qualification model of the PICARD space instrument (SODISM II: Solar Diameter Imager and Surface Mapper), standard sun-photometers, a pyranometer for estimating a global sky quality index, and MISOLFA a generalized daytime seeing monitor. Indeed, astrometric observations of the Sun using ground-based telescopes need an accurate modeling of optical effects induced by atmospheric turbulence. MISOLFA is founded on the observation of Angle-of-Arrival (AA) fluctuations and allows us to analyze atmospheric turbulence optical effects on measurements performed by SODISM II. It gives estimations of the coherence parameters characterizing wave-fronts degraded by the atmospheric turbulence (Fried parameter r0, size of the isoplanatic patch, the spatial coherence outer scale L0 and atmospheric correlation times). We present in this paper simulations showing how the Fried parameter infered from MISOLFA records can be used to interpret radius measurements extracted from SODISM II images. We show an example of daily and monthly evolution of r0 and present its statistics over 2 years at Calern Observatory with a global mean value of 3.5cm.

Brans–Dicke gravity and the capture of stars by black holes: some asymptotic results

In the context of star capture by a black hole, a new noticeable difference between the Brans–Dicke theory and the general relativity gravitational radiation is pointed out. This feature stems from the non-stationarity of the black-hole state, barring Hawkings theorem.

Note: An Unusual Route to General Relativity Equation in Presence of Dust in Irrotational Motion

We show that the general relativity theory equation, in presence of pressureless matter (dust) in irrotational motion, can be recovered from a scalar-tensor like variational approach. In this approach, the kinetic energy, ∂σ ϕ∂σϕ, of a dynamical scalar field ϕ, couples directly to gravity. The lagrangian, exempt of explicit matter term, is varied in the framework of the first order formalism, and a conformal transformation, restoring riemannian geometry, is made. In this approach, it turns out that a non-empty spacetime is necessarily four-dimensional.