Math Seminars

Rick Moeckel
Minnesota

Topological Existence Proofs for Symmetric Periodic Orbits of the Three-Body Problem

I will describe two existence proofs for simple, periodic solutions of Newton's equations for the gravitational three-body problem (the collinear Schubart orbits and the famous figure-eight orbit). Both proofs are based on a "shooting" method where a certain set of symmetrical initial conditions is followed under the flow across a region in phase space. The shooting argument is justified by constructing "Wazewski sets" in the phase space.

Rick Moeckel Minnesota

Topological Existence Proofs for Symmetric Periodic Orbits of the Three-Body Problem

Rick Moeckel
Minnesota