Jupiter: A Failed Star?Jupiter: A Failed Star?

The Solar System with two stars.The Solar System with two stars.

By: Kevin KorinekBy: Kevin Korinek

Facts about JupiterFacts about Jupiter

Weight: 317.8 Earth MassesWeight: 317.8 Earth Masses Distance: 5.203 AUDistance: 5.203 AU Known Satellites: 63 (as of Known Satellites: 63 (as of

2003)2003) 4 Large (Galilean) satellites4 Large (Galilean) satellites

Light colored zones are rising Light colored zones are rising gases (cooling as they rise)gases (cooling as they rise)

Dark Colored belts are sinking Dark Colored belts are sinking and being reheatedand being reheated

http://www.chara.gsu.edu/~mcswain/Astr1010/chapter13.pdfhttp://www.chara.gsu.edu/~mcswain/Astr1010/chapter13.pdf

Contains about the same Contains about the same amount of H and He as the sunamount of H and He as the sun Due to it’s failure as a star?Due to it’s failure as a star?

Radiates 1.5 times the amount Radiates 1.5 times the amount of heat it receives. of heat it receives.

Jupiter vs. The SunJupiter vs. The Sun

Jupiter is .1% of the Sun’s MassJupiter is .1% of the Sun’s Mass Both Comprised Mainly of Hydrogen and Both Comprised Mainly of Hydrogen and

HeliumHelium

http://spaceprojects.arc.nasa.gov/Space_Projects/galileo_probe/htmls/Relative_composition.html

Jupiter… How close was it to Jupiter… How close was it to a star?a star?

““If it had been any denser, it might have ignited, If it had been any denser, it might have ignited, like our Sun. Instead, Jupiter has remained a giant like our Sun. Instead, Jupiter has remained a giant storm of hot, swirling gases. “ storm of hot, swirling gases. “ (http://www.maxpages.com/masterplanet/JUPITER_PLANET)(http://www.maxpages.com/masterplanet/JUPITER_PLANET)

If it had been 4 times more massive, it would have If it had been 4 times more massive, it would have been a star.been a star. At this point it would have undergone At this point it would have undergone

Thermonuclear fusion and “Ignited”Thermonuclear fusion and “Ignited” We can learn from Jupiter to see how Protostars We can learn from Jupiter to see how Protostars

appear, before the fusion processes begin.appear, before the fusion processes begin.

Jupiter as a StarJupiter as a Star

If we were a binary If we were a binary system, a planet would system, a planet would be the same temperature be the same temperature as earth if it were at 1.4 as earth if it were at 1.4 AU (Mars is at 1.6 AU).AU (Mars is at 1.6 AU).

Most Binary Stars have Most Binary Stars have eccentric orbits, it is eccentric orbits, it is difficult for bodies to difficult for bodies to exist.exist.

Had Jupiter ignited life Had Jupiter ignited life could not have existed could not have existed on earth.on earth.

Binary SystemsBinary Systems

Alpha Centauri A and BAlpha Centauri A and B Average of 23 AU apart (ranges from 11 to 35 AU)Average of 23 AU apart (ranges from 11 to 35 AU) Each star has a safe zone of 3 AU away (planets Each star has a safe zone of 3 AU away (planets

could survive)could survive) Planets outside the safe zone would be ejectedPlanets outside the safe zone would be ejected

Approximately 2/3 of all stars are in a binary Approximately 2/3 of all stars are in a binary systemsystem 1/2 of the stars near to the sun are Multiple systems1/2 of the stars near to the sun are Multiple systems

Types of BinaryTypes of Binary

Six Main Types:Six Main Types: ApparentApparent

Only appear to be related, normally great distances apart.Only appear to be related, normally great distances apart.

AstrometricAstrometric Only one of the stars can be seen through a telescope.Only one of the stars can be seen through a telescope.

EclipsingEclipsing One star eclipses the other temporarily lowering One star eclipses the other temporarily lowering

the brightness.the brightness.

Types of Binary SystemsTypes of Binary Systems

SpectroscopicSpectroscopic Absence of resolution of any star through a Absence of resolution of any star through a

telescopetelescope

SpectrumSpectrum No star can be resolvedNo star can be resolved

VisualVisual Both stars can be resolved through a telescopeBoth stars can be resolved through a telescope

Extraterrestrial LifeExtraterrestrial Life

Binary SystemsBinary Systems If Jupiter became a If Jupiter became a

star, no earth.star, no earth. Smallest changeSmallest change Strict guidelines for Strict guidelines for

lifelife Majority Stars, Majority Stars,

Multiple star systemMultiple star system Stronger GravityStronger Gravity More Mass taken upMore Mass taken up

It’s a good thing we aren’t a binary It’s a good thing we aren’t a binary systemsystem

We wouldn’t existWe wouldn’t exist But that doesn’t mean that it’s impossibleBut that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible

Life is very specificLife is very specific Smallest changes can be harmfulSmallest changes can be harmful But they can also be beneficialBut they can also be beneficial

THE END!THE END!