Ephemeris Astronomy Definitions and Constants in General Relativity

Brumberg V.A.

Currently employed definitions of ephemeris astronomy and the system of astronomical constants are based on Newtonian mechanics with its absolute time and absolute space. To avoid any relativistic ambiguities in applying new IAU (1991) resolutions on reference systems and time scales one should specify the astronomical constructions and definitions of constants to make them consistent with general relativity. Such an approach is developed with the aid of the existing relativisting hierarchy of relativistic reference systems and time scales.