What is the furthest from the Earth that still offers a total eclipse of the Sun? Is L2 inside that distance? (I assume so due the the halo orbit that is planned but perhaps there are numerous other reasons to fly around the L2 Lagrange point)
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$\begingroup$ different but related (and has some great answers!): Are there any (Lagrange) points in the Solar System in perpetual shade? See also Is a sun-blocking orbit possible? $\endgroup$– uhohDec 26, 2021 at 8:24
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1$\begingroup$ Another answer that may be helpful: permanent lunar eclipse $\endgroup$– IronEagleDec 26, 2021 at 20:10
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No.
The Earth's umbra extends 1.4 million km. The L2 point is at 1.5 million km. Even if perfectly aligned, the Earth will only show as an annular eclipse, shading about 70% of the sun's disk.
However, the halo orbit of JWST will never pass through this region, nor even near it. The operational requirements demand that the telescope never pass through any part of the Earth or Moon shadow.
Additionally, the rather large Halo orbit is chosen to maximize stability, specifically to minimize thruster fuel usage required to keep the probe in the orbit, as discussed here: https://space.stackexchange.com/questions/15167/are-large-halo-orbits-around-l₁s-and-l₂s-preferred-over-small-orbits-for-reaso.
JWST orbit illustrated, the circle is not the Earth, it is the Moon's orbit.
answered Dec 26, 2021 at 8:18
CuteKItty_pleaseStopBArkingCuteKItty_pleaseStopBArking
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1$\begingroup$ 10355/what-does-the-sun-earth-moon-system-look-like-from-the-sun-earth-l-2-point?rq=1 Has some more graphics and calculations. $\endgroup$ Dec 26, 2021 at 8:18
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1$\begingroup$ > The operational requirements demand that the telescope never pass through any part of the Earth or Moon shadow. why? Is this to guarantee the JWST solar power arrays are drawing full solar power? $\endgroup$– SheldonDec 26, 2021 at 13:41
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