Astronomers have identified a rare planetary system where three Earth-sized planets orbit a pair of stars, creating conditions that could lead to “double sunsets” — a phenomenon similar to the twin suns seen in Star Wars.
The system, named TOI-2267, is located about 73 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus. Researchers say it is the first known binary star system where planets have been detected orbiting both stars.
Discovery details
The finding was made using data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and confirmed through follow-up observations by ground-based telescopes. The stars, designated TOI-2267 A and TOI-2267 B, are cool red dwarfs orbiting each other at a distance of roughly eight astronomical units — about the same as the Sun–Saturn distance.
Astronomers confirmed two Earth-sized planets and identified a third possible candidate in the system. Each star hosts at least one planet, and both show transiting signals — a rare configuration that makes TOI-2267 the first binary system known to have transiting planets around each star.
Double sunsets explained
Because the system has two suns, planets orbiting either star would likely experience light from both. Depending on the viewing angle and orbital positions, a planet’s sky could show one sun setting while the other remains visible — producing a double sunset effect.
Researchers say such visual phenomena depend on the orbits of both stars and planets. The angle and distance between them would determine how and when each sun appears in the sky.
Significance of the discovery
Binary star systems were once thought to be too unstable for planet formation. The gravitational interactions between two stars can disrupt the disks of gas and dust from which planets form.
However, discoveries like TOI-2267 challenge that view. “This shows that Earth-sized planets can form and remain stable in binary systems,” said researchers involved in the study. “It expands our understanding of how diverse planetary systems can be.”
The discovery also provides new insight into the possible environments of exoplanets. Planets in binary systems may experience fluctuating light and temperature conditions, which could affect their atmospheres and potential habitability.
Unanswered questions
Scientists still have much to learn about TOI-2267’s planets. Their exact masses, compositions, and atmospheric conditions remain unknown. It is also unclear whether any of them lie within the habitable zone, where temperatures would allow liquid water to exist.
Researchers will now use instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and high-precision spectrographs to study the system in greater detail. Measuring atmospheric gases could help determine whether the planets have Earth-like conditions or if they resemble barren rocky worlds.
Broader implications
Astronomers estimate that more than half of all stars in the Milky Way are part of binary or multiple-star systems. Finding planets in such environments significantly increases the potential number of worlds beyond our solar system.
The TOI-2267 system demonstrates that planetary formation can occur even in complex gravitational settings. It also offers a valuable case study for understanding how planetary orbits remain stable over long periods in binary environments.
Future observations
Follow-up observations will focus on:
- Determining the orbital stability of the planets over millions of years.
- Estimating atmospheric composition and possible climate conditions.
- Checking for additional planets within the system.
These studies could reveal whether similar double-sun systems might exist closer to Earth.
Public interest and science fiction connection
While the planets are unlikely to support life, the visual of twin suns has drawn comparisons to Star Wars. Scientists emphasize that the resemblance is purely aesthetic but agree that such parallels can help generate public interest in exoplanet research.
“This discovery connects science with imagination,” researchers said. “It reminds us that what once seemed like science fiction can often become scientific fact.”
People Also Ask
What is TOI-2267?
TOI-2267 is a binary star system about 73 light-years away in Cepheus. It hosts three Earth-sized planets orbiting both of its stars.
Can planets exist in binary star systems?
Yes. Though rare, planets can orbit both stars together or orbit one star within the pair. TOI-2267 is the first known system where both stars have their own planets.
What causes double sunsets?
Planets in binary systems can see two suns in their sky. When one star sets and the other remains visible, it creates a double sunset effect.
Are any of the TOI-2267 planets habitable?
Current data suggest they are too close to their stars and too hot for life, but future studies will check for atmospheric properties.
Summary
The discovery of three Earth-sized planets in the TOI-2267 binary system adds a new chapter to exoplanet science. It confirms that planets can form and survive in double-star environments once deemed hostile to planetary formation. While these worlds may not host life, they offer a glimpse of how diverse planetary systems across the galaxy can be — and how reality continues to echo the universe imagined in science fiction.
