Lagrange Point
A Lagrange point is a location in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as Earth and the Moon or Earth and the Sun, balance the centripetal force felt by a smaller object, such as a spacecraft. There are five Lagrange points in the Earth-Sun system, labeled L1 to L5. L1 is located between the Earth and the Sun, while L2 is located on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. L3 is located on the opposite side of the Sun from the Earth, and L4 and L5 are located at the vertices of equilateral triangles formed by the Earth and the Sun. Lagrange points are useful for space exploration and astronomy because they allow spacecraft to remain in a stable position relative to the Earth and the Sun without expending large amounts of fuel.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Radioisotope: A radioisotope is an isotope of an element that emits radiation due to its unstable atomic nucleus. Radioisotopes have a wide range of applications in space and astronautical engineering, including power sources for spacecraft, radiography, ... Read More >>
- Airborne Radar System: An airborne radar system is a technology that uses radio waves to detect and locate objects in the air and on the ground. It is mounted on an aircraft and can provide information about the location, speed, and direction of other aircraft, a ... Read More >>
- Pressure Regulation: Pressure regulation refers to the control and maintenance of pressure levels within a spacecraft or space vehicle. This is a critical aspect of space and astronautical engineering as pressure changes can have significant impacts on the safe ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06