How many LaGrange points does the Earth/Moon system have?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the number of LaGrange points in the Earth/Moon system, including the total count, the number of stable points, and their approximate locations. It involves theoretical aspects of celestial mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the Earth/Moon system has 5 LaGrange points.
  • Others argue that there are 3 stable points, with 2 being stable and 3 being meta-stable.
  • A participant suggests that the stable points are located approximately 60 degrees ahead and behind the L1 and L2 points in the moon's orbital path.
  • Another participant mentions a different count of stable points, suggesting only 1 stable point exists.
  • One participant challenges the clarity of previous statements regarding the locations of the stable points.
  • A later reply indicates that both J-Man and another participant are correct regarding the locations of the stable points, despite earlier disagreements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the total number of LaGrange points or the number of stable points, with multiple competing views presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on the definitions of stability and the specific configurations of the LaGrange points, which may not be fully addressed in the discussion.

Greg Bernhardt
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A)How many LaGrange points does the Earth/Moon system have?

B) How many are stable (no stationkeeping necessary)?

C) Roughly where are the stable points located?

1/2 point point for each answered correctly
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
a)5
b)3
c)Half-distance moon- earth
 
Originally posted by Greg Bernhardt
A)How many LaGrange points does the Earth/Moon system have?
5
B) How many are stable (no stationkeeping necessary)?
2
C) Roughly where are the stable points located?
In the moon's orbital path about 60 degrees ahead and behind.
 
You both are wrong!

5 points

2 are stable

3 are meta-stable

If you form a straight line with the meta-stable points, the one stable point is 60 degress to the right of the L1 and L2 and the other stable points is 60 degrees to the left of the L1 and L2 points.


J-Man - your error lies in the fact that you did not say what it was 60 degrees ahead and behind of...

L1 and L2 follow the moon - and so the points are 60 degress right and left of the L1 and L2 points (and of course the moon too).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
No J-man is right. Sadly I did not beat him to post it.
 
In the moon's orbital path about 60 degrees ahead and behind.

It looks like he said where they are to me. And we are both right in the scope of the question. Now that you edited your post, and tossed in a bit more info, you have it correct.
 
A. 6x10^34

B. 1

C. Right near the beach
 

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