ALMA telescope sheds light on planet formation around binary stars

Using the powerful Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope, astronomers have gained new insights into how planets form around binary star systems, where two stars orbit a common centre of mass.

The study, presented at the 244th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, focused on two binary systems - F.O Tau and D.F. Tau.

By analysing the disks of gas and dust surrounding these young stars, which are the raw material for planet formation, the researchers uncovered key differences between the two systems that could impact their ability to form planets.

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In the case of F.O Tau, the astronomers found that the circumstellar disks, disks surrounding individual stars, are aligned with the orbit of the binary pair.

Both stars in this system exhibit relatively slow rotational speeds, and their disks remain magnetically locked to their parent stars.

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This suggested that systems like F.O Tau, with slower stellar rotation and more circular orbits, may be more conducive to the formation of planets around both stars compared to binary systems with faster rotation and elongated orbits.

Previous ALMA observations of other single and binary star systems have revealed intricate substructures within the disks, such as spiral patterns, gaps and ring formations.

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The findingsrepresented an important step forward in understanding the conditions that can either nurture or inhibit planet formation in binary systems.

Binary stars are quite common in the universe, with over 50 per cent of stars having a companion.

Planets can form around these systems in either circumstellar orbits (around one star) or circumbinary orbits (around both stars).

Understanding the factors that influence planet formation in these environments is crucial for expanding our knowledge of planetary systems beyond our own solar system.

The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), a next-generation radio telescope currently under construction in South Africa and Australia, is expected to further advance our understanding of planet formation around binary stars when it becomes operational in the coming years.

(With inputs from agencies)