Planet-Formation Constraints in Binary Systems
TNRTB Archive – Retained for reference information
Greater understanding of a young star cluster highlights the fine-tuning required to form a habitable planet. Most stars similar in size to the sun reside in binary (two-star) systems, which significantly impacts the formation of planetary systems around the star. Planets form from a disk of material orbiting a star. However, observations of a young star cluster have revealed that disks around binary stars dissipate in about half the time of those around single stars. Since the disk-dissipation time around single stars is about the same as the time required to form Earth-like terrestrial planets, this result means that planet formation around stars in binary systems is much more difficult. Additionally, since the disk dissipates faster in binary systems, any terrestrial planets are likely to be smaller than those found in the solar system (and thus not life-supporting candidates). Such fine-tuning comports well with idea of a supernatural Creator working to fashion a life-supporting planet, as posited by RTB’s cosmic creation model.
- J. Bouwman et al., “Binarity as a Key Factor in Protoplanetary Disk Evolution: Spitzer Disk Census of the η Chamaeleontis Cluster,” Astrophysical Journal Letters 653 (2006): L57-L60.
- https://iopscience.iop.org/1538-4357/653/1/L57
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