Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!hao!cires!nbires!ut-ngp!utastro!nather From: nather@utastro.UUCP Newsgroups: net.sf-lovers Subject: Re: Double suns on Tatooine Message-ID: <485@utastro.UUCP> Date: Mon, 18-Jul-83 11:44:42 EDT Article-I.D.: utastro.485 Posted: Mon Jul 18 11:44:42 1983 Date-Received: Tue, 19-Jul-83 10:27:57 EDT References: sri-arpa.3132 Lines: 18 Tatooine and its two suns form a triple system, for which stability criteria can be calculated once distances are known. In the first installment, they were shown as being of somewhat different color (one was blue, the other orange/red) but about equal brightness and apparent size. This implies: 1. They should cast double shadows. I noticed that lack when I saw SW the first time, but I am particularly sensitive to astronomical things since it is my racket. 2. They are close to each other and Tatooine is distant from both. For such a system to be stable, Tatooine must be 5-7 times farther from them as they are from each other. 3. The red star has begun its inevitable transition to a red giant, and may, in time, engulf the blue star completely. If this figures in the next trilogy my respect for Lucas will increase considerably. Ed Nather ...ihnp4!kpno!utastro!nather