On the Differential Correction of Nearly Parabolic Orbits

Abstract

The differential correction of nearly parabolic orbits was discussed by the author (Herget, 1939) in the era of lead pencil computing. The Gauss-Marth method is the best one to use whenever the appropriate conditions exist, i.e., |E| < 64° and e nearly unity. The crucial point in the above-cited discussion is the use of the first differences from the Gauss-Marth tables in order to simplify the computation of the partial differential coefficients, namely dB/dA, dC/dA, and dD/dA.