A new scientific study radically changes modern ideas about planet formation in space. Scientists have concluded that planets are more likely to arise around binary stars than around solitary ones, like our Sun.
This is reported by Finway
How planets form in binary star systems
Binary star systems, where two stars orbit each other, are extremely common in the Milky Way. For a long time, astronomers believed that the strong gravity of two celestial bodies complicates the process of planet formation, creating unfavorable conditions for the emergence of new worlds. However, the results of simulations based on existing astronomical data have refuted this theory.
Simulations of the evolution of protoplanetary disks, which consist of gas and dust and surround binary stars, showed that while the inner regions of the disk are indeed an aggressive environment for planet formation, the outer parts have significantly more favorable conditions. It is there, under the influence of its own gravity, that the protoplanetary disk breaks apart, facilitating the emergence of numerous planets, among which massive gas giants similar to Jupiter are particularly common.
Why rogue planets arise in such systems
Researchers found that in the protoplanetary disks of binary stars, new worlds form not only faster but also in greater numbers than in systems with a single star. However, the gravitational tug-of-war between the two stars sometimes leads to young planets being ejected from the system, turning into so-called free-floating planets or rogue planets that wander between the stars of our galaxy.
“The study shows that planets around binary stars are actually not a rarity, as previously thought, and may be more common in our galaxy.”
Scientists emphasize that gravitational instability, which causes the breakup of protoplanetary disks, may be a key mechanism for planet formation in binary star systems. To date, over 50 planets orbiting two stars have already been discovered. The new study explains how these planets could have formed and survived in complex cosmic conditions.
Moreover, other scientific initiatives indicate further progress in space exploration: recently, NASA developed a powerful lithium engine for future missions to Mars, and discussions are ongoing about the possibility of restoring Pluto’s status as a planet, which it lost 20 years ago.