Planet at barycenter of a binary system.

In summary, the conversation revolved around the possibility and stability of a binary system with a planet located at the barycenter, particularly in regards to measuring time on such a planet and the potential outcome of the planet's orbit. It was concluded that the system would most likely become unstable and the planet may end up orbiting one of the binary stars or being ejected from the system altogether.
  • #1
vladpaln
12
0
Say you have a binary system (with similar mass) in the following orbit
160px-Orbit1.gif


with a planet located at the barycenter, is this possible and is this a dynamically stable system (over billion of years) ??

If this system was an Earth like system would I assume correctly that it would not have a nigh but instead a dusk/morning to daytime cycle?

Does anyone have any ideas on how to measure time on such a planet (think bronze age)??
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
It's instable.
 
  • #3
Would the planet end up orbiting the binary stars or get thrown out of the system all together??
 
  • #4
vladpaln said:
Would the planet end up orbiting the binary stars or get thrown out of the system all together??

It will most likely get into an unstable orbit (outside the hill sphere) around a star and than escape in the long term. You can play with the starting parameters in this simulation.
 

Related to Planet at barycenter of a binary system.

1. What is a barycenter in a binary system?

A barycenter is the center of mass of a system, in this case, a binary system. It is the point around which the two objects in the system orbit each other.

2. How is the barycenter determined in a binary system?

The barycenter is determined by calculating the center of mass of the two objects in the binary system, taking into account their masses and distances from each other.

3. Why is the barycenter important in a binary system?

The barycenter is important because it is the point around which the two objects in the system orbit each other. This helps us understand the dynamics and movements of the objects in the system.

4. Can the barycenter of a binary system change over time?

Yes, the barycenter of a binary system can change over time. This can happen if the masses or distances of the objects in the system change. It can also be affected by external forces, such as the gravitational pull of other nearby objects.

5. How does the barycenter affect the movement of planets in a binary system?

The barycenter affects the movement of planets in a binary system because it is the point around which they orbit. The closer a planet is to the barycenter, the faster it will orbit, while a planet further away will have a slower orbit. The barycenter also determines the overall shape and stability of the orbits of the planets in the system.

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