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'''Lagrangian points''', also called '''Lagrange points''', are like Switzerlands in the gravity between two objects (like a planet orbiting a star).  At a Lagrangian point, the gravity between the two object cancels out like a tie in a game of Tug of War.  There are five Lagrangian points in a two-object system.  An object placed in a Lagrangian point could stay there like, forever.  Lagrangian points are popular hangouts for space probes and small moons.

The '''Lagrangian points''' have really witty names.  They're numbered one through five.  For the [[Earth]] and the [[Sun]], L1 is the one between the [[Earth]] and the [[Sun]].  L2 is the point on the far side of the [[Earth]] from the [[Sun]].  L3 is the point on the far side of the [[Sun]] from the [[Earth]].  L4 is about 60 degrees ahead of the [[Earth]] in it's orbit around the [[Sun]].  L5 is the point about 60 degrees behind the [[Earth]] in it's orbit around the [[Sun]].

One idea for how the [[Moon]] formed is that an object about the size of [[Mars]] smacked into the [[Earth]].  Lots of stuff was launched into [[Earth]] orbit.  Much of that came together and became the [[Moon]].

Where did this object come from?  One idea is that material gathered at either L4 or L5.  It got larger and larger.  Eventually, it got so large that it couldn't be considered a two body system anymore, and the orbit became unstable, crashing into the [[Earth]].

Why does [[Venus]] spin backwards?  One idea requires that two large objects hit it.  Could it be from [[Venus]]'s L4 and L5?

Return to Lagrangian Point.

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