http://thespacereporter.com/2014/01/...tar-formation/
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Astronomers solve perplexing mystery of binary star formation
By Staff, The Space Reporter
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
It’s one of the most perplexing questions of astronomy: How do binary stars form?
Relying on the upgraded Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA), astronomers say they have discovered a binary star system that seems to provide evidence supporting one of the leading theories on binary star formation, a significant advancement that could allow astronomers to better understand how planets form.
Writing in the Astrophysical Journal, the team of astronomers concluded that the star system providing the evidence is located roughly 1,000 light-years away. The pair of stars apparently adds evidence supporting the theory of disk-fragmentation, which posits that double-star systems form when a disk of gas and dust whirling around one young star fragments. Previous studies had shown that disks of dust and gas are present early in the star formation process, rather than later in the star formation process.
The theory is likely to reform star formation theories put forth by astronomers. It could also push astronomers to reform theories on planetary formation, as planets often draw from the same source of gas and material as young stars.