An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics · Problem 23.1

Modern Cosmology — Carroll & Ostlie

Physics — Astrophysics · extrasolar-planetary-systems-binary-star

Problem

(a) If the actual separation between HD 80606 and HD 80607 is 2000 AU, determine the orbital period of the binary star system. Hint: You may want to refer to the data in Appendix G to estimate the masses of the two stars. (b) How many orbits will the planet HD 80806b make around its parent star in the time that the two stars complete one orbit about their common center of mass? The semimajor axis of the planet's orbit is 0.44 AU. (c) What is the ratio of the force of gravity exerted on HD 80606b by its parent star to that exerted by HD 80607 when it is aligned between the two stars?

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