Are Solar Systems Common in the Universe?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Gold Barz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Planets Stars
AI Thread Summary
Most stars in the universe appear to have some form of planetary debris, suggesting that solar systems are not rare. Current detection methods primarily identify extreme planetary systems, which may overlook more common Earth-like planets. The discussion highlights a general optimism about the prevalence of solar systems beyond our own. The humorous exchange about the uniqueness of our star, Sol, adds a light-hearted tone to the topic. Overall, the consensus leans towards the idea that solar systems are likely common in the universe.
Gold Barz
Messages
464
Reaction score
0
AKA solar systems rare?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
No. It seems that most stars have at least some sort of planetary debris around them. Currently, our detection methods are only sensitive enough to detect the rather extreme kinds of planetary systems (such as Jupiter-mass stars orbiting a half an AU from the star), but it's likely that Earth-like planets are not all that rare.

- Warren
 
Gold Barz said:
AKA solar systems rare?
Since there's only one star called Sol, yes! :biggrin:
 
MIH wins today's Pedant Award!

- Warren
 
Not rare?, that is good news for me.
 
This thread is dedicated to the beauty and awesomeness of our Universe. If you feel like it, please share video clips and photos (or nice animations) of space and objects in space in this thread. Your posts, clips and photos may by all means include scientific information; that does not make it less beautiful to me (n.b. the posts must of course comply with the PF guidelines, i.e. regarding science, only mainstream science is allowed, fringe/pseudoscience is not allowed). n.b. I start this...
Asteroid, Data - 1.2% risk of an impact on December 22, 2032. The estimated diameter is 55 m and an impact would likely release an energy of 8 megatons of TNT equivalent, although these numbers have a large uncertainty - it could also be 1 or 100 megatons. Currently the object has level 3 on the Torino scale, the second-highest ever (after Apophis) and only the third object to exceed level 1. Most likely it will miss, and if it hits then most likely it'll hit an ocean and be harmless, but...
Back
Top