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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Science
Donna Lu

Scientists discover 27 potential new planets that orbit two stars in solar systems far, far away

A mournful Luke Skywalker contemplates a double sunset in a memorable scene from Star Wars.
A mournful Luke Skywalker contemplates a double sunset in a memorable scene from Star Wars. Photograph: Lucasfilm/Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

Astronomers have discovered 27 new potential planets that orbit two stars, like the fictional desert planet Tatooine from the Star Wars universe.

To date, only about 18 circumbinary planets – which orbit around two stars – had been identified in the universe. More than 6,000 planets have been discovered that orbit single stars, like Earth does around the sun.

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