Gravitational Capture: How Can Binary Stars Form?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the formation of binary stars and the concept of gravitational capture. It questions the assertion that conservation of energy prevents one object from capturing another under certain conditions. Participants explore scenarios where two non-bound objects can become gravitationally bound, emphasizing the necessity for energy loss in the process. The conversation highlights the need to identify mechanisms through which energy can be dissipated during such interactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for explaining binary star formation.
Jarwulf
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Hi, the wikipedia article on binary stars in the formation section claims that conservation of energy forbids a single object from capturing another. If this is true how so?
 
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It is a consequence of the math ... try to find a situation where two objects are not gravitationally bound to each other but move into a position where they are gravitationally bound.

Basically, to do that, one or both objects has to lose energy ... where to?
 

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