Initial Solar Phase Angle

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

The angle between the Sun and the x-axis of the Earth-Moon rotating frame at the observation start time. This angle determines the spatiotemporal distribution of the solar exclusion cone within an orbital period, significantly affecting single-period observation performance: the observable area is maximized at w₀ = 180° and minimized (below 65%) at w₀ ≈ 360°. For orbits not resonant with the solar synodic period, this angle drifts with time; orbits resonant with the solar synodic period can lock it at the optimal value.

Application Value

Determining the spatiotemporal distribution of the solar exclusion cone within an orbital period, with maximum observable area at w₀=180°; this angle critically affects single-period observation performance and can be locked at its optimal value through resonance.

  • Solar Phase Angle
  • Solar Exclusion Cone
  • Observation Window

References

  • Ding et al., 2025 — Cislunar Space Situational Awareness via Earth-Moon Resonant Orbits
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong