Can Planets Be Juggled Between Binary Stars?

In summary, it is not common for one or more of the planets in a binary or multiple star system to constantly switch the star they are orbiting. However, it is possible for this to happen if the planets cross the Lagrange point between the stars. There is a chance that Alpha Centauri could have planets, but there is an issue of stability of the planets in orbit around binary systems.
  • #1
Quantum_Grid
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I have a question regarding binary or multiple star systems and their [hypothetical] orbiting planets. I am curious if it is common (or even possible) for one or more of the orbiting planets to constantly switch the star they are orbiting, as in a figure eight shape. Can the stars "trade the planet" back and forth, as if juggling the planet? If so, are there any notable examples of this happening? I really don't know much about how this all works, I start my first year physics course this fall in school.

I hope the question makes sense, if not, ask me and I will try and clarify some.
 
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  • #2
Only if the planet(s) would cross the Lagrange point between the stars. Usually however, planets are much closer to one of the stars.

There are a few binaries known to have planets, e.g., Gliese 777 and Gamma Cephei (γ Cephei)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliese_777
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma_Cephei

Some astronomers think there is a chance that Alpha Centauri could have planets
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Cenaturi#Possibility_of_planets

Thebault, P., Marzazi, F., Scholl, H.. "Planet formation in the habitable zone of alpha centauri B". Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
http://arxiv.org/abs/0811.0673

But there is an issue of stability of planets in orbit around binary systems.
M. Barbieri, F. Marzari, H. Scholl (2002). "Formation of terrestrial planets in close binary systems: The case of α Centauri A". Astronomy & Astrophysics 396: 219 – 224.
http://www.aanda.org/index.php?option=article&access=doi&doi=10.1051/0004-6361:20021357

See this paper with respect to the search for substellar (planetary) masses around stars
Campbell, B., Walker, G. A. H., & Yang, S., A search for substellar companions to solar-type stars
http://adsbit.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-iarticle_query?bibcode=1988ApJ...331..902C
 
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  • #3
Cool, thanks for the info.

Is figuring out the orbit of these planets around these stars a matter of relativity equations or something?

I have seen computer programs that model galaxy collisions, are there also programs that model planetary orbits, one that could potentially model this specific case? I don't know why this came to me, but the idea of a planet being juggled betwixt two or more stars just seems like a fascinating scenario. Am I alone in this?
 

FAQ: Can Planets Be Juggled Between Binary Stars?

What are binary stars?

Binary stars are two stars that orbit around a common center of mass. They are held together by gravity and can either be bound tightly or loosely.

How are binary stars formed?

Binary stars are formed when a giant molecular cloud collapses, leading to the formation of multiple stars. They can also form when a single star splits into two during its evolution.

What are the types of binary stars?

There are three main types of binary stars: visual, spectroscopic, and eclipsing. Visual binaries can be seen as two distinct stars, while spectroscopic binaries can only be detected through their gravitational influence on each other. Eclipsing binaries are those in which one star periodically passes in front of the other, causing a decrease in brightness.

Can planets exist in binary star systems?

Yes, planets can exist in binary star systems. In fact, some of the closest known exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system) are found in binary star systems.

How do binary stars affect the formation and stability of planets?

Binary stars can have a significant impact on the formation and stability of planets in their systems. Their gravitational influences can cause disruptions in planet formation, such as altering the orbits of planets or even ejecting them from the system. However, binary stars can also provide more stable environments for planets, as the presence of two stars can help to stabilize a planet's orbit.

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