Astronomers confirm that chemical variations in molecular clouds affecting binary star formation can cause differences in stellar composition.
Astronomers using the Gemini South telescope have confirmed that chemical variations within the molecular cloud from which binary stars form can cause differences in their composition. This finding helps explain why stars born from the same molecular cloud can have distinct chemical compositions and host different planetary systems. It also challenges current stellar and planet formation models, as up to 85% of stars are estimated to exist within binary systems.
April 29, 2024
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