Double Planets Possible

Earlier this month, some humans announced that they'd done the math: and collisions like the one involving Earth a few billion years back can end with two Earth-size planets, orbiting each other.

The Lemming found a pretty good writeup about their research, complete with an "artist's concept" that probably isn't all that inaccurate. It's certainly a cool picture:

• "Binary Earth-Size Planets Possible Around Distant Stars"
  Charles Q. Choi, Space.com (November 21, 2014)

Not just any old collision will do: but they got double planets in a third of their simulations.

How many double planets there are, what fraction are roughly Earth-size, and how many of those have the qualities that makes Earth comfortable for humans — that's something that the Lemming is confident humans will figure out. Given time.

About this post's picture? It's strictly fictional. Not a photo. Definitely not: and the Lemming's sticking with that story.

More from the Lemming:

• "From the Mind of the Lemming: Mr. Chuckles"
  (November 7, 2014)
• "From the Mind of the Lemming: Night Flight"
  (September 26, 2014)
• "From the Mind of the Lemming: Morning in the City"
  (August 29, 2014)
• "Robots With Attitude: Maybe, Eventually"
  (August 15, 2014)
• "Tryouts at the Consulate: Hamlet"
  (June 27, 2014)