lagrange points animation

3,371
by Super User, 8 years ago
0 0
Animation showing the Earth/Moon system and it's Lagrange points. It's not precise but it shows how these points revolve around Earth while staying fixed relative to The Moon and this was the overall goal here. Specifically, it clearly shows how the L2 point can never be seen from Earth even though it's constantly orbiting our planet - a source of confusion for many. From our perspective here on Earth the L2 point will always be behind The Moon and I hope this small animation illustrates that in a way that can be understood.

More info...

Sixty Symbols: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxpVbU5FH0s
Georgia State University: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mechanics/lagpt.html