1/ While we wait for news on L2 orbit insertion, we've got some facts for you on #Webb's orbit π
2/ Unlike @Hubble_Space #Webb will not be in orbit around the Earth, but will orbit the Sun, 1.5 million km away from the π at what is called the second Lagrange point or L2.
3/ This orbit lets the telescope stay in line with the Earth as it moves around the Sun. This allows the satellite's large sunshield to protect the telescope from the light and heat of the Sun, Earth and Moon.
4/ Webb's sunshield gives the telescope the equivalent of SPF one million sunscreenπ§΄! For that to be effective protection against the light and heat of the Sun/Earth/Moon, these bodies all have to be located in the same direction. This is what L2 provides.
5/ There are actually 5 Lagrange points, that is, a configuration in which three bodies could orbit each other, yet stay in the same position relative to each other 
6/ L1 is 1.5 million km from the Earth towards the Sun, and there have been many solar observatories located there, including DSCOVR, WIND, @MissionSoho & ACE.
7/ There have been other satellites out at Sun-Earth L2, where #Webb will be, including @NASA_WMAP @ESAHerschel and @Planck
8/ L4 and L5 are stable in that objects there will orbit L4 and L5 with no assistance. Some small asteroids πͺ¨ are known to be orbiting the Sun-Earth L4 and L5 points.
9/ L1, L2, and L3 are metastable so objects around these points slowly drift away into their own orbits around the Sun unless they maintain their positions, for example by using small periodic rocket thrust. This is why L1, L2, and L3 don't "collect" objects like L4 and L5 do.
10/ At L2, #Webb is orbiting the Sun further out than Earth, so how long does it take Webb to make a full orbit around the Sun?
11/ Webb will not sit stationary precisely at L2, but orbit around L2. This orbit keeps the telescope out of the shadows of both the Earth and Moon. Unlike @HUBBLE_space, which goes in and out of Earth shadow every 90 minutes, #Webb will have science operations 24/7.
12/ Webb's orbit around L2 is actually similar in size to the Moon's orbit around the Earth! But how long does it take #Webb to orbit L2?
13/ #Webb's position at L2 makes comms easier π. Since it will always be at the same location relative to Earth we can have continuous communications with it as the π rotates through the Deep Space Network, using 3 large π‘ located in Australia, Spain & US (California)
14. Read more about #Webb's orbit here: webb.nasa.gov/content/about/β¦ For L2 explanations in other languages we've spotted two threads from @a_santerne
https://twitter.com/a_santerne/status/1484506459656359937& @lemediasciences
https://twitter.com/lemediasciences/status/1474798678326095886Comment with links/tags if you saw others!
Thatβs right! It will take #Webb one year to make a full orbit around the Sun!
We got you there π Webb will complete an orbit around L2 every 6 months
β’ β’ β’
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
γ
