Lagrangian point
Noun
Meaning
Lagrangian point (plural Lagrangian points)
(astrophysics) Alternative form of Lagrange point
Examples
Hektor, like Achilles, belonged to the L 4 swarm ("ahead" of the planet in its orbit), whereas Patroclus was the first asteroid known to reside at the L 5 Lagrangian point ("behind" the planet).
In 2004, Benford proposed that the harmful effects of global warming could be reduced by the construction of a rotating Fresnel lens 1,000 kilometres across, floating in space at the Lagrangian point L1.
Simulations show that Jupiter trojans can follow even more complicated trajectories when moving from one Lagrangian point to another—these are called horseshoe orbits (currently no Jupiter Trojan with such an orbit is known).
The D-type asteroid, classified as a DU-subtype in the Tholen taxonomic scheme, orbits the Sun at a distance of 4.4–6.0 AU in the L 4 Lagrangian point of the Sun – Jupiter System once every 11 years and 10 months (4,337 days).