Can a star orbit a planet
In: Planetary Science
A lot of the discussion here is pitched toward naturally occurring systems and the vague line drawn between super-Jupiters and Brown dwarf stars.
There may be a more nuanced discussion that could be had by astrophysicists and materials scientists. Specifically:
– what would be the theoretical minimum mass for a star of any kind without the limits imposed by natural formation (hand-picked materials and starting configuration)
– what is the theoretical maximum planetary mass (again without natural formation limits)
With regards to the star, are we talking brown dwarf still? White dwarf? Is a white dwarf even a star if fusion is long since over and done? Black dwarf? Would a black dwarf be considered a star?
With regards to the planet would the most massive really be a super-Jupiter? Could a solid chunk of iron reach a greater mass since it can’t fuse (I think)? What is the best material/mix for the planet mass taking degeneracy pressure into account for the upper mass limit? Is iron a prime candidate, or would alternative materials permit it to get more massive?
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