Idea: EP03 Distance Inconsistency Resolution

Status: RESOLVED (Task 264)

Problem

EP03 analysis uses Saturn-Uranus minimum distance (9.62 AU, phase angle ≈ 0°) for brachistochrone calculation, but the previous epoch (2241-12-09) placed the planets at 135.5° phase angle (distance 26.82 AU).

Resolution

Option 1 was implemented: re-derived the epoch using findOptimalEpoch() which searches for Mars-Jupiter oppositions in 2200-2270 that produce the best Saturn-Uranus conjunction at EP03 departure.

Result: Epoch anchored at 2214-10-27 (EP01 departure). EP03 departs 2215-01-30 with Saturn-Uranus at 9.36 AU (phase -11.1°), closely matching the 9.62 AU assumption used in the analysis. Inconsistency resolved.