What is the three-body problem in physics?

Remember that annoying physics question back in high school that nobody could solve and find the answer to? Well, in real life that question is the three-body problem. And yes, it’s a real pain in the butt. It started with the great Sir Isaac Newton in the 1600s and has been passed down from generations until today. 

In essence, the three-body problem is mathematical in nature. It involves three bodies interacting with each other through a mutual force (such as gravity). This interaction causes the bodies to move in certain ways that are interconnected with each other. But when we apply the principles of physics to evaluate the motion(s), we can’t come to a solution. Making the problem unsolvable.  

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