Theoretical Orbits of Planets in Binary Star Systems
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In general, most binary star systems are capable of having planets.
Most binary systems are capable of having planets in external orbits (orbiting around both stars) with relatively large orbit radii. In some favorable systems, external orbits with relatively small orbit radii are possible, with periods equal to or even less than the star system period.
Additionally, many binary systems are capable of having planets with internal orbits (orbiting around just one of the stars) of relatively small orbit radii, providing that the separation between the two stars is always much greater than the diameters of the stars. In some favorable systems, internal orbits are with relatively large orbit radii are possible, with periods equal to or even longer than the star system period.
Indeed, some binary systems are capable of supporting planets orbiting star A, other planets orbiting star B, and further planets orbiting both stars.
The range of stable orbits is much greater for retrograde orbits than for prograde orbits.
The presence of a planet with significant mass in a binary star system may cause wobbling of the binary, or of one of its stars. Therefore the same methods which have successfully detected planets orbiting single stars can be used to search for planets in binary star systems. Some binary systems may offer further clues which might indicate the possible presence of one or more massive planets.
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Copyright 2001 S.Edgeworth