Discussion Overview
The discussion explores whether a more luminous, less massive body can orbit a more massive, less luminous body, particularly in the context of binary systems. Participants consider various scenarios, including extreme cases like black holes and more typical stellar configurations.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions if a more luminous, less massive body can orbit a more massive, less luminous body, suggesting a mass ratio of 10% or less.
- Another participant cites the example of a white dwarf orbiting a black hole, where the black hole is more massive yet less luminous.
- There is interest in less extreme cases, such as a star orbiting a non-black hole body, with considerations of luminosity equations and density.
- A participant notes that only degenerate objects can be less luminous than a star of the same mass and provides the example of a red dwarf orbiting a white dwarf, which can be less luminous yet hotter.
- It is mentioned that all stars in the Milky Way are more luminous and less massive than the supermassive black hole at the galactic center, indicating that such orbits do occur.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying levels of agreement on the possibility of such orbits, with some providing specific examples while others seek clarification on less extreme cases. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the general conditions under which these orbits can occur.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference luminosity equations and the conditions required for different types of stars and celestial bodies, indicating that assumptions about mass, density, and temperature play a significant role in the discussion.