Is it possible for a star to orbit a planet

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Research Analysis by Consensus

Consensus Meter

Yes0%

Possibly0%

No0%

Can a Star Orbit a Planet?

The concept of a star orbiting a planet challenges our traditional understanding of celestial mechanics, where typically, planets orbit stars due to the latter's significantly larger mass. However, recent research and observations provide insights into the dynamics of star-planet interactions that could theoretically allow for such a scenario under specific conditions.

Star-Planet Interactions and Orbital Dynamics

Tidal Interactions and Orbital Evolution

The evolution of planetary orbits around stars is influenced by several factors, including tidal interactions, friction, gravitational drag, and changes in the mass of the star and planet. These interactions can lead to significant changes in the initial distribution of distances between planets and their host stars, potentially causing the orbits to expand, contract, or even result in the engulfment or destruction of the planet .

Impact of Stellar Rotation

Stellar rotation plays a crucial role in the evolution of close-in star-planet systems. Rapid initial stellar rotation and efficient angular momentum transport within the star can enlarge the domain devoid of planets after the pre-main-sequence (PMS) phase. This phenomenon, known as the "planet desert," is observed in the distribution of exoplanets orbiting solar-mass stars.

Planetary Transits and Radial Velocity Measurements

High-precision photometric measurements and radial velocity surveys have been instrumental in detecting planets transiting their host stars. For instance, the detection of planetary transits across stars like HD 209458 and HD 136352 has provided valuable data on the characteristics and orbital parameters of these planets . These observations help in understanding the dynamics of star-planet systems and the potential for unusual orbital configurations.

Theoretical Possibility of a Star Orbiting a Planet

Mass and Gravitational Influence

For a star to orbit a planet, the planet would need to have a significantly larger mass than typical planets, potentially approaching the mass of a brown dwarf or even a small star. In such a scenario, the gravitational influence of the planet could dominate, causing the star to orbit around the common center of mass, which would be closer to the planet due to its larger mass.

Observational Evidence and Models

While there is no direct observational evidence of a star orbiting a planet, models of star-planet interactions suggest that under certain conditions, such configurations could exist. For example, the discovery of planets orbiting ultracool dwarf stars and the detailed characterization of their orbits provide insights into the complex dynamics of such systems .

Conclusion

In summary, while the traditional view holds that planets orbit stars due to the latter's larger mass, theoretical models and observations suggest that under specific conditions, it is possible for a star to orbit a planet. This would require the planet to have a significantly larger mass, potentially approaching that of a brown dwarf or small star, to exert a dominant gravitational influence. Further research and observations are needed to explore and confirm such unusual celestial configurations.