An efficient general solution is obtained for the problem of the elastic half space z > 0 with a traction-free surface experiencing gravitational attraction to an arbitrarily shaped body located in z < 0. Many components of the stress field can be written down immediately if the potential of the attracting body is known. Results are given for the case of attraction to a uniform sphere.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42687/1/10659_2005_Article_4105.pd