Is it possible to have two suns in one solar system? If so, what would the effects on the solar system be?
2006-12-07 13:03:33 · 9 answers · asked by ? 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
yes, it is usually referred to as a binary system, it is speculated that planets do not last that long in these systems, as the orbits would be unstable, but existing planets would face greater weather fluctuations, strange orbits, and lots of suntanning
2006-12-07 13:10:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably half of all stars are in binary systems. Such pairs are quite common.
The number of stable orbits for a planet in such a system would be limited. A planet could follow a path around both suns, crossing the barycenter (cf.) of the binary, but that orbit would probably be unstable after a while. If the second star was far enough away from the primary star, and didn't have too much mass, then there could be an ordinary solar system around each star, close enough that the outer planets would not be significantly affected by the mass of the companion star. Alternately, other stable planetary orbits could exist _far_ away from the barycenter of both stars, but such planets would receive little radiation and would be colder than Pluto.
2006-12-07 21:14:23 · answer #2 · answered by kanajlo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe that there are more "Binary systems" in the Universe than single star solar systems. I am not exactly sure why that is, you would have to ask an Astronomer about that.
2006-12-07 21:13:33 · answer #3 · answered by Crowfeather 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well stated above, there are many identified binary star system-usually consisting of one dwarf star. Theoretically, there are stable planetary orbits, but realistically, the slightest perturbation would likely fatally disrupt the system-
Excellent summary, Kanijo-and way to credit Isaac
2006-12-07 21:42:10 · answer #4 · answered by NeuroProf 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not only are there binary star systems but there are trinary star systems as well, as for the effects of a binary or trinary star system i can't say for curtain.
2006-12-08 05:30:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
more then possible. in fact many stars do have a companion or companions. as for the effects, complicated to say the least.
the nearist star proxima centauri has a companion alpha centauri and probably at least one other companion
2006-12-07 21:10:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
yes, this is called double star.
the result will be weird orbits of planets, severe changes in temperature, possibly tectonic activity
2006-12-07 21:06:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Here are some pictures of actual double stars. :)
http://www.kochabobservatory.com/Star_images.html
2006-12-07 21:50:30 · answer #8 · answered by Edward 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they are called Bianary systems.
2006-12-07 21:08:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋