What is the width of the Lagrange points?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the characteristics of Lagrange points, particularly their stability and spatial dimensions. L4 and L5 are identified as stable points where objects can oscillate, while L1, L2, and L3 are unstable but allow for quasi-periodic Lissajous orbits with radii reaching up to 200,000 km. The inquiry about the specific width of these points remains unanswered, highlighting a gap in available information regarding their physical dimensions.

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  • Understanding of celestial mechanics and orbital dynamics
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CowedbyWisdom
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Hello everyone! I just finishexd reading Death By Black Hole and I was interested in the Lagrange points. Neil talks about how if you placed objects inside of them you could use the points as place holders for objects while building in space. I couldn't seem to find anything about the width of the points. I understand they are circular in shape but does anyone have any idea about how wide these rings are? Thanks in advance.

-Jack
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hello Jack! Welcome to PF! :smile:

L4 and L5 are stable, so a body placed near either should oscillate around it

i haven't done the maths, but i suspect that "near" means anywhere, so long as the body starts stationary (or nearly so) relative to the Lagrange point

(ie, obviously if it has a substantial sideways motion, it'll orbit one of the parent bodies instead, in exactly the same way as it would if it was moving too fast at the the Lagrange point)

L1 L2 and L3 are unstable, but they do have quasi-periodic Lissajous orbits which are used (with radii of up to 200,000 km), see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrange_points#Stability for details :wink:
 

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