Accepted (precise) value for lunar L2 point?

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    L2 Lunar Point Value
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an accepted precise value for the lunar L2 point, particularly in the context of testing its stability through numerical simulations. Participants explore the implications of the moon's orbit and external perturbations on the L2 point's characteristics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks an accepted value for the lunar L2 point to compare with their own optimized calculations based on a specific formula involving the masses of the Earth and Moon.
  • Another participant provides a link to a calculator that numerically finds Lagrange points, noting that L2 is not stable and requires stationkeeping.
  • It is mentioned that the lunar L2 point moves due to the non-circular nature of the Moon's orbit and the significant perturbations caused by the Sun.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the information but reiterates the need for a literature value for their report.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on an accepted value for the lunar L2 point, and multiple views regarding its stability and movement are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on specific assumptions regarding the Moon's orbit and external influences, as well as the lack of a definitive literature reference for the lunar L2 point's value.

Muon Cat
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Does anyone know where I can find one? I've written a program to test the stability of the lunar L2 point by placing a massless test object in orbit there and I've found an optimised value based on the approximation

r_{m}(\frac{M_{M}}{3M_{E}})^{1/3}

where r_{m} is the radius of the moon's orbit, M_{M} is the mass of the moon and M_{E} is the mass of the Earth. I need an accepted value to compare my precise, optimised L2 value to, but I haven't been able to find one anywhere. Can anyone help me out please?
 
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And it moves around. The Moon's orbit is not circular, and the Sun is a huge perturbing factor.
 
Ah okay, thank you very much guys! :) I was hoping for a literature value I could compare to because I have to write a report on this, but that is helpful all the same.
 

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