Planets around double stars?

Cheryl · Post by **Cheryl** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 8:41 am

Hiya pple~~

I was looking at mizar in the big dipper last nite, and wondered if double stars can have planets. Coz something like 1/2 the stars in the sky are at least double stars, so if double stars cannot have planets then chances of finding life on other worlds will be super low....

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:43 pm

Sure, why not ? There's no reason why double stars cannot support formation of planets. The chances of finding life on a planet orbiting multiple stars system may be the same with that of a single star system.

Take note that not all the 'double stars' that is in the sky are true star system. Some of the double stars listed in books is because of their visual alignment when seen from Earth. These 'stars system' do not orbit around each other as they only appear visually close to each other when seen from Earth.

Cheryl · Post by **Cheryl** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:42 pm

oic.....thankew for the info. hahaaa~~ [smilie=admire2.gif]

But I read Jupiter is preventing a planet frm forming in the asteroid belt leh.....so will a companion star have similar effect on planet formation in a solar system ?? [smilie=confused.gif]

The new smilies r super cute. hahaa~~

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:04 pm

The particles that are closer to the star system will be affected by the gravitational forces of the binary star system. However , further away from the star system, the gravitational disturbance is weaken and allows for the

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:05 pm

The particles that are closer to the star system will be affected by the gravitational forces of the binary star system. However , further away from the star system, the gravitational disturbance is weaken and allows for the particle to collide and stick together to form larger particle, eventually forming planets.

The asteroid belt is a failed planet that is caused by the gravitational forces of giant Jupiter.

Cheryl · Post by **Cheryl** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:36 am

oic........so planets in binaries must form far from the stars rite? Then they receive very little sunlight, means not much chance of finding life....

Sam Lee · Post by **Sam Lee** » Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:53 am

Not quite right...
They will form at almost equal distance to those of the single star system's planets. 2 stars close to each other do not generate stronger gravitational forces. They will still have the same gravitational forces.
You may see a "M Class" planet after all...

FYI, M Class planet is a Star Trek term for human friendly planet !

Cheryl · Post by **Cheryl** » Thu Mar 20, 2008 8:46 am

"2 stars close to each other do not generate stronger gravitational forces. They will still have the same gravitational forces. "

Why ar?? If there's a 2nd star means gravitational forces frm the 2nd star can affect planets in orbit around the 1st rite....??