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Lagrangian point
Lagrangian point One of five points at which small bodies can remain in the orbital plane of two massive bodies; also known as libration points. Three of the points lie on the line joining the two massive bodies: L1 lies between them, while L2 and L3 have the two bodies between them. These three points are unstable, slight displacements of a body from them resulting in its rapid departure. The fourth and fifth points (L4 and L5) each form an equilateral triangle with the two massive bodies, 60° ahead of and behind the smaller body in its orbit around the larger one. A well-known example of bodies lying at the L4 and L5 Lagrangian points are the Trojan asteroids in Jupiter's orbit. Among Saturn's satellites, Telesto and Calypso lie at the L4 and L5 Lagrangian points in the orbit of the much larger Tethys. In similar fashion, tiny Helene precedes Saturn's satellite Dione, keeping 60° ahead of Dione. The Lagrangian points are named after the French mathematician J. L. deLagrange, who first calculated their existence. See also equipotential surface.
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"Lagrangian point." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Lagrangian point." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-Lagrangianpoint.html "Lagrangian point." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-Lagrangianpoint.html |
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Lagrangian points
Lagrangian points The locations where the gravitational attraction of two orbiting bodies is equal. Objects located at such points remain fixed so that they are favoured positions for future space stations. There are five such points in the Earth—Moon system; two of them, L4 and L5, lie 60° ahead of and behind the lunar orbit. The Trojan family of asteroids occupy positions close to two of the jovian Lagrangian points. Lagrangian points are named after the French astronomer Comte J. L. Lagrange (1736–1813).
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Cite this article
AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Lagrangian points." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Lagrangian points." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-Lagrangianpoints.html AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "Lagrangian points." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-Lagrangianpoints.html |
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Lagrangian points
Lagrangian points One of the five points at which a celestial body can remain in a position of equilibrium with respect to two much more massive bodies orbiting each other.
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Cite this article
"Lagrangian points." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Lagrangian points." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Lagrangianpoints.html "Lagrangian points." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Lagrangianpoints.html |
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