Can a Planet Orbit One Star in a Binary Star System?

-- Jarrrett | February 4, 2023

Question:

I’m writing a Sci-fi book and I want to try and get the science in it as close to real as I can so, Can a planet orbit one star in a binary star system? If it is even slightly possible then I can make it work. Thanks.

-- Jarrrett

Answer:

Yes. Planets that orbit a single star in a binary star system are called “non-circumbinary planets”. In general, a planet in a non-circumbinary system, though, must orbit relatively close to its host star in relation to the closest approach of the second star in order for the planet’s orbit to be stable. Planets can also orbit both stars in a binary star system. These types of planets are called “circumbinary planets”.

-- Jeff Mangum

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