Concept information
Preferred term
Lagrangian point
Definition(s)
- In celestial mechanics, the Lagrange points (also Lagrangian points or libration points) are points of equilibrium for small-mass objects under the influence of two massive orbiting bodies. Mathematically, this involves the solution of the restricted three-body problem in which two bodies are far more massive than the third. Normally, the two massive bodies exert an unbalanced gravitational force at a point, altering the orbit of whatever is at that point. At the Lagrange points, the gravitational forces of the two large bodies and the centrifugal force balance each other. This can make Lagrange points an excellent location for satellites, as few orbit corrections are needed to maintain the desired orbit. Small objects placed in orbit at Lagrange points are in equilibrium in at least two directions relative to the center of mass of the large bodies. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagrange_point)
Broader concept(s)
Synonym(s)
- Lagrange point
- libration point
- L-point
In other languages
-
French
-
point de libration
URI
http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-J0GX22XZ-N
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