Stability of the L4 and L5 Lagrange Points: An Explanation of Jupiter's Trojan Asteroids
Conference Year
January 2020
Abstract
Jupiter’s “Trojan” asteroids orbit the L4 and L5 Lagrange Points of the Sun-Jupiter system and are speculated to be remnants of the collisions which formed planets in our solar system. In this study, we formally verify the stability of the Lagrange Points using a theorem-proving assistant called the “Lean Theorem Prover”. We also model their basin of attraction to develop a tool to determine the possible regions of asteroid origin. Ultimately we hope this research will contribute to our understanding of the solar system’s history and origin.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Francois Dorais
Secondary Mentor Name
William Louisos, Taras Lakoba, Joan Rosebush
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Program/Major
Mathematical Sciences
Primary Research Category
Engineering & Physical Sciences
Stability of the L4 and L5 Lagrange Points: An Explanation of Jupiter's Trojan Asteroids
Jupiter’s “Trojan” asteroids orbit the L4 and L5 Lagrange Points of the Sun-Jupiter system and are speculated to be remnants of the collisions which formed planets in our solar system. In this study, we formally verify the stability of the Lagrange Points using a theorem-proving assistant called the “Lean Theorem Prover”. We also model their basin of attraction to develop a tool to determine the possible regions of asteroid origin. Ultimately we hope this research will contribute to our understanding of the solar system’s history and origin.