Most compact quadruple star system yet fits within an area the size of Jupiter's orbit
Phys.org • • science
Key Points:
- Astronomers have discovered TIC 120362137, the most compact 3+1-type quadruple star system observed, where one star orbits a tightly bound triple star subsystem within an area the size of Jupiter's orbit.
- This rare system type, consisting of one star orbiting a triple system, is less common than binary or 2+2-type quadruple systems, with only two other known 3+1-type systems that are less compact than TIC 120362137.
- The discovery was aided by the system's brightness, allowing combined ground-based photometric and spectroscopic observations alongside TESS satellite data, enabling direct detection and measurement of all four stars' properties.
- The inner triple stars are hotter and more massive than
