Gravitational Thomas Precession - A Gravitomagnetic Effect ?

Abstract

Gravitational Thomas Precession (GTP) is the name given to the Thomas Precession when the acceleration is caused by a gravitational force field. In continuation of our discussion on the idea of a GTP, in this note by way of considering the motion of a planet around the Sun, the GTP is shown to be a gravitomagnetic effect that a planet might experience while moving through a gravitational field (say that of the Sun). The contribution of the GTP to the perihelion advance of Mercury is again estimated at 21.49 arc-seconds per century confirming and clarifying our earlier results.