Earth-Sun Lagrange Points Distance Query

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the distances of the L4 and L5 Lagrange points from Earth, specifically in the context of celestial mechanics involving the Earth-Moon and Sun-Earth systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the straight line distances of the L4 and L5 points from Earth.
  • Another participant suggests using an online calculator for determining Lagrange point distances.
  • A further contribution seeks clarification on whether the inquiry pertains to the Earth-Moon or Sun-Earth Lagrange points, noting that the distances are related to the distances between the celestial bodies involved.
  • One participant expresses self-reflection on their earlier misunderstanding regarding the question, indicating a perceived error in their approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specific distances, and there is a lack of clarity regarding which Lagrange points are being referenced.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions regarding the definitions of the Lagrange points or the specific distances involved, leaving these aspects open for further exploration.

Dr Wu
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Hi

Does anyone know what the straight line distances of L4 and L5 are from Earth?

Many thanks.
 
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To which L4 and L5 points are you referring to? The Earth-Moon pair or the Sun-Earth pair?
In each case, the chosen Lagrange point and the two celestial bodies form an equilateral triangle.
So in the Earth-Moon case, the Earth-Lagrange point distance is equal to the Moon-Earth distance, and the the Sun-Earth case, it is equal to the Sun-Earth distance.
 
Yes, a quick twirl with a compass and a drawn circle soon showed the error of my ways. This is probably the silliest question I've raised on the forum thus far. I promise to do better next time.
 

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