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Astronomy/Balance point betwen earth and moon

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Expert: - 5/26/2005


Question
Hi James:

I recall several years ago reading about three points in space between the earth and the moon where the gravitational attractions of the two bodies are equal.  Do you know the name of these points and the basis of the calculations that identify these points.  

Thaks for your input.

Jeff  

Answer
Hello Jeff,

I think you're referring to LaGrangian Points.  There are five such points in the earth-moon system.  See http://encyclopedia.laborlawtalk.com/Lagrangian_point for a good explanation of how they're computed.

The following URL might also be of interest.
http://www.rfreitas.com/Astro/SearchIcarus1983.htm

Cheers,

Prof. James Gort

Astronomy

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James Gort

Expertise

Questions on observational astronomy, optics, and astrophysics. Specializing in the evolution of stars, variable stars, supernovae, neuton stars/pulsars, black holes, quasars, and cosmology.

Experience

I was a professional astronomer (University of Texas, McDonald Observatory), lecturer at the Adler Planetarium, professor of astrophysics, and amateur astronomer for 42 years. I have made numerous telescopes, and I am currently building one of the largest private observatories in Canada.

Publications
StarDate, University of Texas, numerous Journal Publications

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