New representation of the Tomimatsu–Sato solution

Abstract

We devise a new representation of the simplest Tomimatsu–Sato solution of Einstein’s vacuum field equations. This permits us to dispose of the previously troublesome ’’directional singularities’’ through the introduction of an advanced (or retarded) time coordinate. In the neighborhood of the locations in question the T–S space is shown to possess a Killing tensor of valence two, which allows us to solve the geodesic problem in this neighborhood completely. Finally, we present for future analysis a plausible toroidal model of the material source for the T–S solution.