The 3-body problem: from reality to fiction

Soon after gravitation was discovered, the three-body problem challenged the best scientific minds of the times - yet only rather recently it has been possible to fully grasp its complexity. Specifically, the dynamical systems approach to space mission design has allowed to trace novel spaceways for science and exploration. It is not surprising then that the three-body problem is now widely known for being the subject of a best-selling novel and TV fiction. The seminar presents some recent advances of our understanding of the three-problem in an historical perspective, its future role in returning humans on the Moon and how it links up with science fiction plots.