Astronomy/Binary system

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Expert: - 11/2/2011


Question
Was our Sun ever part of a binary system and are binary systems the norm or the exception ?. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Will,
It's thought that about half (50%) of all stars are part of a binary, or multiple system.
Whether our sun was part of a binary or tertiary system is hard to tell, because no one was around some 4.6 billion years ago.  But we can almost say with some accuracy that our sun was probably part of a small open star cluster initially, where eventually the stars went their own way.
My best guess is that our sun formed up as a single star, with Jupiter attempting to become a little red dwarf binary companion by accretion. (Jupiter fell just short of being a red dwarf star itself).  But there just wasn't enough time for that to happen. And when the sun began nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei to helium nuclei, that blew all the extra 'stuff' out of the Solar System so the accretion phase was finished.  Whatever mass you had, that was it... so you were either a planet or a dwarf star. Jupiter just didn't quite make it to stardom. (Most planets are just...
failed stars)!
Hope this helps,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA USA

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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