Jupiter Is Sometimes Described as a "Failed Star," Suggesting That

question 345

Multiple Choice

Jupiter is sometimes described as a "failed star," suggesting that if it had more mass it would have developed as a star rather than as a planet and that we would live in a binary star system. Is this possible? How many times more massive would Jupiter have to be for this development to have taken place?

• A) Yes. Jupiter would need only about double its present mass.
• B) Yes. Jupiter would need slightly less than 100 times its present mass.
• C) Yes, but Jupiter would need thousands of times its present mass.
• D) No. No amount of extra mass could make a planet into a star.

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