I Force of gravity on JWST while orbiting L2

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between centrifugal force and gravitational force on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) while it orbits L2. When the JWST is at a point in its L2 orbit, the centrifugal force vector aligns with the sun-earth plane, but if displaced vertically, it still acts towards the plane. The gravitational force from the Earth and Sun always pulls the JWST towards the plane, regardless of its position. This results in a net force that draws the telescope back toward the orbital plane. The principles discussed apply universally, not just at Lagrange points.
Eugene
Messages
3
Reaction score
1
TL;DR Summary
Concerning the centrifugal force acting on James Webb telescope
When the Webb is at a point on its L2 orbit, (not at L2), what direction is the centrifugal force vector compared to the direction of the combined earth-sun gravity vector on the opposite side? Is the direction of this centrifugal vector ALWAYS parallel to the sun-earth plane? or is it always opposite (straght line connects the combined gravity and centrifugal)?
 
Last edited:
Astronomy news on Phys.org
The Sun, Earth, and Lagrange points are all in the same plane, which is also the orbital plane. Therefore, the centrifugal force in the corotating frame also lies in this plane.
 
but if the scope is 500,000 kilometers north of this point(on the L2 orbit) it is no longer in the plane. What is the relationship of the gravity force to the centrifugal force then?
 
The centrifugal force will always be in the plane of rotation. Regardless of whether or not you displace the satellite from the plane itself. Any displacement up or below the plane will therefore give a resultant force that attracts the satellite towards the plane. This is true everywhere, not only at the Lagrange points.
 
Many thanks!
 

Thread 'Does it make sense to build new radio telescopes?'

TL;DR Summary: In 3 years, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope (or rather, a system of telescopes) should be put into operation. In case of failure to detect alien signals, it will further expand the radius of the so-called silence (or rather, radio silence) of the Universe. Is there any sense in this or is blissful ignorance better? In 3 years, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope (or rather, a system of telescopes) should be put into operation. In case of failure to detect...
View full post »
Thread 'Could gamma-ray bursts have an intragalactic origin?'

Thread 'Could gamma-ray bursts have an intragalactic origin?'

This is indirectly evidenced by a map of the distribution of gamma-ray bursts in the night sky, made in the form of an elongated globe. And also the weakening of gamma radiation by the disk and the center of the Milky Way, which leads to anisotropy in the possibilities of observing gamma-ray bursts. My line of reasoning is as follows: 1. Gamma radiation should be absorbed to some extent by dust and other components of the interstellar medium. As a result, with an extragalactic origin, fewer...
View full post »

Thread 'Could fast radio bursts be alien radar signals?'

Both have short pulses of emission and a wide spectral bandwidth, covering a wide variety of frequencies: "Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are detected over a wide range of radio frequencies, including frequencies around 1400 MHz, but have also been detected at lower frequencies, particularly in the 400–800 MHz range. Russian astronomers recently detected a powerful burst at 111 MHz, expanding our understanding of the FRB range. Frequency Ranges: 1400 MHz: Many of the known FRBs have been detected...
View full post »

Similar threads

I How Do Moons Influence the James Webb Telescope's Position at Lagrange Point L2?
Replies
4
Views
2K
B Why is the Webb Space Telescope placed at L2?
Replies
13
Views
2K
I Gaia Space Telescope and Lagrangian Point 2
Replies
8
Views
11K
I Why does Webb orbit L2, is it because of the Moon?
2
Replies
58
Views
5K
B Does Sun cross planes of all binary stars?
Replies
14
Views
2K
B Earth & Moon Gravity Gradient: Investigating Its Impact
Replies
33
Views
5K
I Earth's angular velocity when axis is aligned with apparent gravity
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Gravity and speed of information for orbiting planets
Replies
22
Views
465
I Remark on centrifugal force in Heino Falcke's black hole book
Replies
22
Views
3K
I New Developments In The Search For Planet X
Replies
2
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top