Fine-Tuning of the Sun
TNRTB Archive – Retained for reference information
New understanding of stellar formation reveals more fine-tuning in the solar system. Astronomers have known for decades that larger stars form predominantly in multiple-star systems. However, the gravitational interactions of these systems make them unfavorable for the formation of planetary systems. Recent studies have shown that smaller stars are less likely to be part of a multiple-star system. However, smaller stars also pose problems for the formation of habitable planets because the planets must reside closer to the star as the stellar mass decreases. Close proximity to the star leads to tidal locking (as seen for Mercury), where daytime lengths are inordinately large. The solar system contains a single star, large enough to form a diverse planetary system where the habitable planet resides sufficiently far from the star. Such just-right features point to the careful planning of a supernatural Creator who has fine-tuned the solar system for advanced life.
- Charles J. Lada, “Stellar Multiplicity and the Initial Mass Function: Most Stars are Single,” Astrophysical Journal Letters 640 (2006): L63-66.
- https://iopscience.iop.org/1538-4357/640/1/L63
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