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 it 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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To become a star, Jupiter would need to have a mass slightly less than 100 times its present mass. This is because the minimum mass required for a star to form is about 80 times the mass of Jupiter, which is known as the "hydrogen-burning limit." If Jupiter had more mass, it would have enough gravity to trigger nuclear fusion in its core and become a star.

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