Force of gravity on JWST while orbiting L2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the forces acting on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) while it orbits around the L2 Lagrange point, specifically examining the relationship between centrifugal force and gravitational force from the Earth and Sun. The scope includes conceptual understanding of orbital mechanics and the dynamics of forces in a non-inertial reference frame.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the direction of the centrifugal force vector in relation to the combined gravitational force vector when the JWST is at a point on its L2 orbit.
  • Another participant asserts that the centrifugal force in the corotating frame lies in the same plane as the Sun, Earth, and Lagrange points, which is also the orbital plane.
  • A further contribution raises the scenario of the JWST being displaced 500,000 kilometers north of the L2 point, inquiring about the relationship between gravitational and centrifugal forces in this case.
  • It is proposed that the centrifugal force remains in the plane of rotation, and any displacement above or below this plane results in a force that attracts the satellite back towards the plane.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of displacement from the orbital plane, with differing views on how centrifugal force interacts with gravitational force in such scenarios.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about the nature of forces in a corotating frame and the effects of displacement from the orbital plane, which remain unresolved.

Eugene
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TL;DR
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)?
 
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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!
 

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