double planet

A "double planet" describes a unique celestial arrangement where two planetary bodies of similar size orbit a common center of mass located outside both bodies.

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Definition

C1Astronomy

(technical)A system where two planetary bodies of similar size orbit a shared center of mass outside both bodies.

Example

  • The Pluto-Charon system is often cited as an example of a double planet.
  • In a double planet system, neither body is considered a satellite of the other.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "double planet":

satellite planetmajor planettertiary planetdouble starplanetary objectmultiple star