Scientists discover three giant planets in binary star system

Image for representational purpose only

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: In a significant addition to the field of science, scientists have discovered three mammoth planets in a binary system that is composed of stellar twins.

One star hosts two planets and the other hosts the third. The system represents the smallest-separation binary in which both stars host planets that has ever been observed.

The findings may help explain the influence that giant planets like Jupiter have over a solar system's architecture, researchers said.

"We are trying to figure out if giant planets like Jupiter often have long and, or eccentric orbits," said Johanna Teske from Carnegie Institution for Science in US.

"If this is the case, it would be an important clue to figuring out the process by which our solar system formed, and might help us understand where habitable planets are likely to be found," said Teske.

(With PTI inputs)