How close can planets safely exist from each other?

Thread starter ghost77
Start date Sep 2, 2006
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Planets

AI Thread Summary

The discussion centers on the safe proximity of planets to each other, addressing both orbital distances and physical closeness. In their orbits, planets can be closer together, but this reduces long-term stability due to gravitational interactions. When considering planets that orbit each other, they must remain outside the Roche limit to avoid tidal disruption. The conversation highlights the importance of these distances in maintaining planetary integrity and stability. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for assessing planetary systems.

Sep 2, 2006

ghost77

Theoretically, what would be the closest one planet could safely exist away from another?

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Sep 3, 2006

DaveC426913

Gold Member

Do you mean "in their orbits", or do you mean "sitting next to each other" (such as a double planet system)?

In their orbits, the closer they are the less long-term stability they'll have.

If orbiting each other, they'll have to be outside the Roche limit (wiki this).

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