The family \(P_{12}\) of the three-body problem -- the simplest family of periodic orbits, with twelve symmetries per period (Q5945035)

The author presents a construction of the family \(P_{12}\) of three-dimensional periodic orbits with three equal masses and with 12 space-time symmetries per period. The family \(P_{12}\) arises from circular equilateral Lagrangian solution. The problem is solved by the minimization of the action between terminal conditions in a suitable uniformly rotating set of axes. Using two small parameters, the main projections of the orbits of the family \(P_{12}\) are shown in figures. The author proves that the family has three-dimensional stability, and that the number of space-time symmetries per period will be four if two masses are equal, and zero if all masses are unequal.