What name has been given to the places around and between two gravitationally bound bodies where a third object could stay stationary relative to the other two?
[A] Lagrangian point
[B] Ephemeris
[C] Lissajous
[D] Apside
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lagrangian point]
Notes:Lagrange point is position in space where combined gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as Earth and sun or Earth and moon, equal centrifugal force felt by a much smaller third body. The interaction of these forces creates point of equilibrium where spacecraft may be “parked” to make observation. These points are named after Joseph-Louis Lagrange, an 18th-century mathematician. There are 5 such points between earth and sun namely – L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. In these orbits, the satellite requires very little energy to maintain its orbit and it will not be eclipsed from the sun
