Physicists Discover 13 New Solutions To Three-Body Problem 127
sciencehabit writes "It's the sort of abstract puzzle that keeps a scientist awake at night: Can you predict how three objects will orbit each other in a repeating pattern? In the 300 years since this 'three-body problem' was first recognized, just three families of solutions have been found. Now, two physicists have discovered 13 new families. It's quite a feat in mathematical physics, and it could conceivably help astrophysicists understand new planetary systems."
The paper is available at arxiv.
Never thought it would be so hard to have a 3some (Score:5, Funny)
Re:anonymous coward discovers new way to first pos (Score:5, Funny)
naked and petrified!
You mean the paleolithic version of the three body problem [s-nbcnews.com]?
Oh, you're talking about THAT three-body problem. (Score:5, Funny)
The one that *usually* keeps scientists awake at night is, "how can I get my girlfriend and her cute roommate into bed at the same time?"
Re:Oh, you're talking about THAT three-body proble (Score:5, Funny)
I think just getting the girlfriend into bed (or having one, for that matter) is sufficient of a problem for most scientists.
Re:Never thought it would be so hard to have a 3so (Score:3, Funny)
You obviously have funding issues for your research. Adequate funding will resolve this research deficiency.
Re:Oh, you're talking about THAT three-body proble (Score:5, Funny)
I think just getting the girlfriend into bed (or having one, for that matter) is sufficient of a problem for most scientists.
Well, at least they've already solved in for a spherical girlfriend in vacuum.