Quantitative Linear Stability Analysis of Elliptic Relative Equilibria in the Planar N-Body Problem

Abstract

An elliptic relative equilibrium (ERE) is a special solution of the planar $N$-body problem generated by a central configuration. Its linear stability depends on the eccentricity $e$ and the masses of the bodies. However, for $e>0$, the variational equations become non-autonomous and highly complex, particularly near $e=1$, where the system exhibits a singularity. This complicates the stability analysis as $e$ approaches one, making it challenging to derive a rigorous quantitative estimate for the stable region across $e\in [0,1)$. In this work, we address this problem. Using trace formulas for the non-degenerate Hamiltonian system of EREs, we establish an upper bound ensuring non-degeneracy for all $e\in [0,1)$. As key applications, we provide explicit stability estimates for the Lagrange, Euler, and regular $(1+n)$-gon EREs over the full range of eccentricity.