References & Sources  - October 10, 1998

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Two stars, two planetary embryos

Although theorists have reasoned that stars that occur in pairs are less likely to be surrounded by disks of gas and dust—the embryonic material from which planets arise—new observations reveal that a close stellar partnership may actually hasten the birth of planets.

 

References:

Boss, A.P. 1998. Twin planetary systems in embryo. Nature 395(Sept. 24):320.

Rodríguez, L.F., et al. 1998. Compact protoplanetary disks around the stars of a young binary system. Nature 395(Sept. 24):355.

 

Further Readings:

Cowen, R. 1998. Exploring new worlds. Science News 154(Aug. 8):88.

______. 1998. Hubble takes first image of possible planet. Science News 153(June 6):357.

Sources:

Alan P. Boss
Carnegie Institution of Washington
Department of Terrestrial Magnetism
5241 Broad Branch Road, N.W.
Washington, DC 20015-1305

Luis F. Rodríguez
Instituto de Astronomía
UNAM Apdo
Postal 70-264
Mexico DF 04510
Mexico

From Science News, Vol. 154, No. 15, October 10, 1998, p. 239.
Copyright Ó 1998 by Science Service.

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