The L2 point lies on the line defined by the two large masses, beyond the smaller of the two. Here, the gravitational forces of the two large masses balance the centrifugal force on the smaller mass.
- Example: On the side of the Earth away from the Sun, the orbital period of an object would normally be greater than that of the Earth. The extra pull of the Earth's gravity decreases the orbital period of the object, and at the L2 point that orbital period becomes equal to the Earth's.
The Sun–Earth L2 is a good spot for space-based observatories. Because an object around L2 will maintain the same orientation with respect to the Sun and Earth, shielding and calibration are much simpler. The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe is already in orbit around the Sun–Earth L2. The future Planck satellite, Herschel Space Observatory, Gaia probe, and James Webb Space Telescope will be placed at the Sun–Earth L2. Earth–Moon L2 would be a good location for a communications satellite covering the Moon's far side.
If the mass of the smaller object (M2) is much smaller than the mass of the larger object (M1) then L1 and L2 are at approximately equal distances r from the smaller object, equal to the radius of the Hill sphere, given by:
where R is the distance between the two bodies.
This distance can be described as being such that the orbital period, corresponding to a circular orbit with this distance as radius around M2 in the absence of M1, is that of M2 around M1, divided by .
Examples:
Lagrange 2 in Gundam[]
Anno Domini[]
An asteroid base (Rezorus)of the anti-government resistance base Katharon and CBS Celestial Being are located at L2 in the series.
Universal Century[]
The colonies of Side 3 are located at L2 in this universe.
External Links[]
Anno Domini Locations | |
Celestial Being Support Facilities | |
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Krung Thep | Lagrange 1 | Lagrange 2 | Lagrange 3 | Lagrange 5 | Moon Terminal | Team Trinity Base | |
United Nations Forces / Earth Sphere Federation Members | |
Union of Solar Energy and Free Nations MSWAD Headquarters | Republic of Taribia | Orbital Elevator "Tower" | Tokyo | Union Presidential Residence | |
Advanced European Union AEU Central Assembly | Orbital Elevator "La Tour" | Republic of Moralia | |
Human Reform League High Orbital Station "The Internationale" | HRL Chairman's Residence | Low Orbital Station "True Pillar" | Orbital Elevator "Tenchū" | Quanqiu | Taklamakan Desert | |
Other Countries | |
Ceylon | Kingdom of Azadistan | Kingdom of Suille | Republic of Krugis |