A Lagrange point is a location in space where the gravitational forces of two large celestial bodies, such as the Earth and the Sun, balance the centripetal force of a smaller object, allowing it to remain stationary relative to the larger bodies. There are five such points, denoted as L1 to L5, each serving unique purposes in space exploration and astronomy:
- L1: Positioned between the two large bodies, useful for solar observation.
- L2: Located beyond the smaller body, often used for space telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope.
- L3: Lies directly opposite the smaller body on the other side of the larger body.
- L4 and L5: Form equilateral triangles with the two large bodies and are stable, making them ideal for long-term satellite placement.
These points simplify the mechanics of satellite orbits and provide vantage points for scientific observations.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) operates at the second Lagrange point (L2), located approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth on the opposite side of the Sun. At this point, the gravitational forces of the Earth and Sun balance the centripetal force of the telescope’s orbit, allowing it to remain in a stable position relative to Earth and the Sun.
The Lagrange points, named after the French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange, are unique locations in space where gravitational forces create a delicate equilibrium btw the gravitational pull of 2 large celestial bodies, such as a planet & its moon or a planet & the sun. 1/ pic.twitter.com/teNbY4zXo6
— Erika (@ExploreCosmos_) December 27, 2023
Unlike the Hubble Space Telescope which orbits Earth, the James Webb Telescope does not.
— ᑕOՏᗰIᑕ ᗰᗴՏՏᗴᑎᘜᗴᖇ ≈ 𝕃𝕦𝕚𝕤 𝔸𝕝𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕠⁷ ∞∃⊍ (@LuisADomDaly) January 8, 2025
The JWST is located at Lagrange Point 2, outside Earth's orbit. pic.twitter.com/QZYqwMDHtL
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