2007-03-25 10:43:01 · 5 answers · asked by Mark Hyde 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
No Earth-based observations have shown the existence of a planet in the Alpha Centauri system. However, both of the main stars in the system, Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, are quite similar to the Sun, and are expected to have habitable zones in which an Earth-like planet could support life. Whether any such planet actually exists in orbit around either star is unknown, but the star system is expected to be a target for more advanced observation techniques as they are developed.
2007-03-25 10:46:14 · answer #1 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are discovering that planets are a natural outcome when stars condense out of an interstellar cloud. If too massive, the cloud splits into another star/brown dwarf/planemo. OR we can get a multiple star system AND planets.
Both Alpha Centauri "A" and "B" are very similar to Sol, but are close enough together that gas giants may not have been able to form. Unknown if that a plus or minus for terrestrial planets. Proxima Centauri "C" is the closest star to Earth, a small red dwarf, not out of the question there may be planets there.
2007-03-25 12:04:14 · answer #2 · answered by stargazergurl22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely. I always like to assume a Star has a planetary system. With Binary systems things can get complicated. Depending on the orbits of the stars. If they are close together planets can orbit around both stars. If they are far apart both stars can have independant systems. This is assuming both stars' orbits are stable and regular. If you have an irregular orbit there is a chance that the irregular orbit can eject any planets that may have been forming in the protoplanetary phase leaving the system planetless. As has been said before there is no hard evidence either way for the Alpha Centarui binary.
2007-03-25 11:11:36 · answer #3 · answered by magicninja 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, it is theorized that terrestrial planets may have formed, but jovian-like planets could not have since Alpha Centauri is a binary system. I don't know of any observed planets though...and there probably haven't been any observed if only terrestrial planets exist since I believe the only extra-solar planets that have been observed are jovian.
2007-03-25 10:49:09 · answer #4 · answered by Bhajun Singh 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is a good chance that there are dry planets near to alpha centauri, yes
2007-03-25 10:49:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋