What is the name for a planet that orbits both stars in a binary star system?
Answer
A circumbinary planet
A circumbinary planet is specifically defined as a celestial body that maintains a stable orbit around both stars within a system composed of two stars, commonly known as a binary star system. This configuration moves beyond the simpler model of a planet orbiting a single star. Such orbits require careful navigation of the complex gravitational interactions between the two stellar bodies. While famously depicted in science fiction, such as Tatooine, this orbital arrangement is a verified phenomenon observed by astronomers actively searching for exoplanetary configurations.
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