In star systems with multiple stars, can you have different ‘solar systems’ for each star or each pair of stars?

Question

I’ve been watching some youtube videos on multiple star systems, and I’m very confused as to whether each of the stars can have their planets.

If two of the stars are in a binary configeration for example, I think they would have their own ‘planets’ together, however I don’t know if a third star separate to the first two would have it’s own stable system.

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In: 2

Answer 1

Depends on how close the stars are. Obviously, in a contact binary, where the outer shells touch, there’s no planets.

If we look at the Alpha Centauri system, Alpha Centauri A and B are in a fairly close orbit, and Proxima Centauri orbits those two at a fair distance. Proxima has 3 known planets. Alpha Centauri A may have a Jupiter-sized planet orbiting it. B has no known planets. But, at least potentially, you could have two stars, each with their own planets, orbiting each other, another set of planets orbiting the two stars, and a third star even farther out with its own planetary system.

In a binary star system, there is a theoretical stable figure-8 orbit around both stars. A planet is unlikely to form there, but a captured object might, although it’s highly unlikely.