Binary and multiple-star systems are about twice as abundant as single-star systems in our galaxy, and, in theory, other galaxies. In a typical binary system, two stars of roughly similar masses twirl around each other like pair-figure skaters. Observations from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope reveal that mature planetary systems are more frequent around binary stars than single stars like our sun. That means sunsets like the one portrayed in this artist's photo concept might be commonplace in the universe. [Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech]
1 posted on
02/03/2009 7:36:34 PM PST by
SunkenCiv
2 posted on
02/03/2009 7:37:39 PM PST by
SunkenCiv
(https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/____________________ Profile updated Monday, January 12, 2009)
To: 75thOVI; aimhigh; Alice in Wonderland; AndrewC; aragorn; aristotleman; Avoiding_Sulla; BBell; ...
3 posted on
02/03/2009 7:38:03 PM PST by
SunkenCiv
(https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/____________________ Profile updated Monday, January 12, 2009)
To: KevinDavis; annie laurie; garbageseeker; Knitting A Conundrum; Viking2002; Ernest_at_the_Beach; ...
4 posted on
02/03/2009 7:38:14 PM PST by
SunkenCiv
(https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/____________________ Profile updated Monday, January 12, 2009)
To: SunkenCiv
Seems like it would be a screwy situation for a planet. Would the planet orbit one star or both?
5 posted on
02/03/2009 7:40:18 PM PST by
cripplecreek
(The poor bastards have us surrounded.)
To: SunkenCiv
I don't see how life could form on planets in binary star systems.
Wouldn't the paths of the planets be so strange as to result in significant changes in temperature throughout the year?
6 posted on
02/03/2009 7:40:25 PM PST by
who_would_fardels_bear
(The cosmos is about the smallest hole a man can stick his head in. - Chesterton)
To: SunkenCiv
(Had to do it :p)
7 posted on
02/03/2009 7:41:59 PM PST by
KoRn
To: SunkenCiv
That is quite something.
And now I must say it.
WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE! IT'S BUSH"S FAULT!
To: SunkenCiv
Dude, can you imagine the freekin’ global warming you’d have if, like, you know, you had binary suns? How cool would that be?
14 posted on
02/03/2009 8:01:50 PM PST by
Attention Surplus Disorder
(Mr. Bernanke, have you started working on your book about the second GREATER depression?")
To: SunkenCiv
Twice the globull warming.
Al Gore would have a stroke.
15 posted on
02/03/2009 8:04:15 PM PST by
reagan_fanatic
(Dissent Is Patriotic!)
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