Astronomers solve perplexing mystery of binary star formation

[unhappycamper]

http://thespacereporter.com/2014/01/astronomers-solve-perplexing-mystery-of-binary-star-formation/



Astronomers solve perplexing mystery of binary star formation
By Staff, The Space Reporter
Wednesday, January 01, 2014

It’s one of the most perplexing questions of astronomy: How do binary stars form?

Relying on the upgraded Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), astronomers say they have discovered a binary star system that seems to provide evidence supporting one of the leading theories on binary star formation, a significant advancement that could allow astronomers to better understand how planets form.

Writing in the Astrophysical Journal, the team of astronomers concluded that the star system providing the evidence is located roughly 1,000 light-years away. The pair of stars apparently adds evidence supporting the theory of disk-fragmentation, which posits that double-star systems form when a disk of gas and dust whirling around one young star fragments. Previous studies had shown that disks of dust and gas are present early in the star formation process, rather than later in the star formation process.

The theory is likely to reform star formation theories put forth by astronomers. It could also push astronomers to reform theories on planetary formation, as planets often draw from the same source of gas and material as young stars.

[Wounded Bear]

1. I always wondered...

if perhaps our 'super planets' like Jupiter and Saturn were possibly proto-stars that didn't collect enough mass to actually ignite fusion and light up. Of course, that is kind of what I thought the final scenes in the movie 2001 portrayed. Igniting Jupiter as a star and forming a life bearing planet on Ganymede.

[Lionel Mandrake]

2. except that in the sequel "2010" (not Kubrick's "2001") ...

Jupiter was first covered up with enigmatic black slabs, then the planet imploded and became a star in order to warm up Ganymede so that new life would thrive there.

IIRC a final voice-over explained, incorrectly, that Earthlings would never again see the night sky.