"Unprecedented Discovery: Two Planets Coexisting in Perfect Orbital Harmony"

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Source: Big Think
"Unprecedented Discovery: Two Planets Coexisting in Perfect Orbital Harmony"
Photo: Big Think
TL;DR Summary

While the International Astronomical Union's definition of a planet rules out two planets sharing the same orbit, it is possible for two Earth-like planets to coexist in a stable orbit around their star. The concept of co-orbiting planets challenges the traditional definition of a planet, but simulations and observations suggest that it is feasible. Various mechanisms, such as Lagrange points and orbit swapping, can allow for quasi-stable configurations that can last billions of years. Although no binary planet candidates have been discovered yet, with improved technology and more data, it is expected that examples of co-orbiting planets will be found in the future.

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