Hmmm, lets ask ChatGPT....
Could 2 large planets, around the size of Jupiter, both orbiting around a common star, interact gravitationally in such a way that they are both ejected from the orbit of that star and continue to orbit their common centre of gravity?
Quote:
Yes, it is possible for two large planets, roughly the size of Jupiter, orbiting a common star to interact gravitationally in such a way that they are both ejected from the orbit of the star and continue to orbit their common center of gravity. This scenario is known as "planet-planet scattering" or "planet-planet ejection" in the context of planetary dynamics.
Here's how it might happen:
1. Initial Orbit: Initially, the two Jupiter-sized planets orbit their common star in separate orbits.
2. Close Encounter: Due to their gravitational interaction, the two planets may approach each other closely in their orbits.
3. Energy Exchange: During the close encounter, they exchange energy and momentum. If the encounter is energetic enough, it can result in one or both planets gaining sufficient kinetic energy to escape the gravitational pull of the star.
4. Ejection: If one or both planets gain enough velocity from the encounter, they can be ejected from the star's gravitational influence, entering into a new trajectory that takes them into a shared orbit around their common center of gravity.
After the ejection from the star's orbit, these two planets can continue to orbit their common center of mass, effectively forming a binary planet system. The specifics of this outcome depend on the precise parameters of the encounter, including the masses, velocities, and orbital configurations of the planets.
It's worth noting that planet-planet scattering can result in various outcomes, including ejection, orbital changes, or even collisions between planets. The final configuration depends on the initial conditions and the physics of the encounter. Computer simulations are often used to study these scenarios in greater detail.
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