Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Astronomer_FB on 07/03/2009 16:32:18

Title: How would planets orbit in a binary star system?
Post by: Astronomer_FB on 07/03/2009 16:32:18

How would a solar system of planets work around a binary star system.  Would keplers law  still be effective since there is another focal point? 

Title: Re: How would planets orbit in a binary star system?
Post by: syhprum on 07/03/2009 20:38:18

Such systems have been observed, I don't know how stable they are.

Title: Re: How would planets orbit in a binary star system?
Post by: lyner on 07/03/2009 21:18:00

For planets at a great distance compared with the binary pair separation, the orbit would probably be much the same - i.e. stable. For close-in orbits- God knows- probably pretty unstable.

Title: Re: How would planets orbit in a binary star system?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 07/03/2009 23:20:08

Don't I remember that Dave Shorts knocked up a graphical representation of this? One where you could place the objects where you wanted to see how they would interact?

DAAAAAVE! Where is it?  [???]

Title: Re: How would planets orbit in a binary star system?
Post by: yor_on on 08/03/2009 13:27:25

http://burtleburtle.net/bob/physics/binary.html
For some nice animations of binary planet systems.
http://www32.brinkster.com/snefru/space/

Title: Re: How would planets orbit in a binary star system?
Post by: Vern on 08/03/2009 17:54:42

Great links yor_on!

Title: How would planets orbit in a binary star system?
Post by: Atomic-S on 19/12/2009 03:04:37

That is most interesting; it shows that such systems are possible.

Title: How would planets orbit in a binary star system?
Post by: LeeE on 19/12/2009 19:24:01

Quote from: yor_on on 08/03/2009 13:27:25

http://burtleburtle.net/bob/physics/binary.html
For some nice animations of binary planet systems.
http://www32.brinkster.com/snefru/space/

Wah!  the first link doesn't show me any pictures and the second link produces a 404 here [:(]