Numerical explorations of the rectilinear problem of three bodies

We present some results of a numerical exploration of the rectilinear problem of three bodies, with the two outer masses equal. The equations of motion are first given in relative coordinates and in regularized variables, removing both binary collision singularities in a single coordinate transformation. Among our most important results are seven periodic solutions and three symmetric triple collision solutions. Two of these periodic solutions have been continued into families, the outer massm ₃ being the family parameter. One of these families exists for all masses while the second family is a branch of the first at a second-kind critical orbit. This last family ends in a triple collision orbit.Proceedings of the Sixth Conference on Mathematical Methods in Celestial Mechanics held at Oberwolfach (West Germany) from 14 to 19 August, 1978.