Lagrange points are special locations in a two-body system—like the Earth and the Sun—where the gravitational forces of the two bodies and the orbital motion of a small object balance perfectly. At these points, an object can maintain a stable or semi-stable position relative to the two larger bodies with minimal fuel for station-keeping.
Key Features:
- There are five Lagrange points, labeled L1 to L5.
- L1, L2, and L3 lie along the line connecting the two large masses.
- L4 and L5 form equilateral triangles with the two bodies and are generally stable points where objects tend to accumulate (like Trojan asteroids near Jupiter).
Importance:
- Lagrange points are ideal locations for space telescopes and satellites because they offer a stable vantage point with relatively low fuel consumption.
- Examples include the James Webb Space Telescope at L2, and solar observatories at L1.
In essence, Lagrange points provide natural “parking spots” in space where gravitational pulls and orbital motion are in perfect harmony.