#lagrangian points

[infinite-nicc]

G e n e s i s

I wanted to visualize how gravity can cause a collection of loose particles to make a shell around a massive body and how Lagrangian points: points of equilibrium for small-mass objects under the influence of two massive orbiting bodies, can formalize with the electromagnetic field and make small lines of equilibrium parallel to the closest massive body. Made in Mirror Lab on my smartphone

[tradeshanty]

Given two orbiting bodies in space, a Lagrangian point is a point in the plane of orbit at which the combined gravity of the two bodies provides the centripetal force needed for a smaller third body to orbit. In terms of celestial mechanics, Lagrangian points are points where a solution to the three-body problem reduces to a solution to the two-body problem. Three Lagrangian points (L1 through L3) are located along the unique line containing the two larger bodies, and two others (L4 and L5) form equilateral triangles with the larger bodies. In the Solar System, minor planets located near Jupiter’s L4 and L5 points are called Trojans, and they are split into two “camps:” the “Greek camp” is position ahead of Jupiter’s orbit, and the “Trojan camp” trails behind.

Image: Stack Exchange

[thepoemarian]

A question: Do objects orbiting a mass at Lagrangian points of another mass have to be in the same ecliptic plane as the latter mass?

[nicolasc-age]

YOU CAN ORBIT EMPTY SPACES IN OUTER SPACE I HATE SPACE SO MUCH

[sciencesoup]

Lagrangian Points: Celestial Stepping Stones

In 1772, astronomer Joseph-Louis Lagrange discovered the namesake “Lagrangian” or libration points, which are points where a small body could orbit in a constant pattern with two larger masses (specifically, a satellite in respect to the Earth and Moon). Of these points, the Trojan points, L4 on the eastern horizon, and L5 on the western, are of special significance to future space endeavors. In the Trojan points, the contending gravitational tugs of the Earth and the moon offer exactly the right amount of centripetal force in these locations for an object to essentially “park” there and stay in place within the Earth-moon system. Artificial objects, or even habitats, could be inserted into these locations where they would be locked into place by gravity and become a permanent part of the Earth-moon system. These would offer locations closer than the Moon, and act as possible bases for future space exploration; they are potential stepping stones across the cosmic pond.

Guest article written by Bruce Braun (geeksaurusrex.tumblr.com)

(Image Credit)

[blindtricks]

by Neil deGrasse Tyson

From Natural History Magazine, April 2002