On the Evolution of a Rotationally Unstable Star

Abstract

The fission theory of binary star systems is reexamined and important objections to it are removed. The presence of a magnetic field in the atmosphere of a rotationally unstable star prevents loss of momentum through the loss of atmosphere at the star's equator. By interaction with the atmospheric electric and magnetic fields, the ions are constrained to move systematically in the direction of rotation and add angular momentum to the star proper. Eventually the star divides, and whereas the parent star was radially symmetrical the resulting components are highly asymmetrical and one-half of the star is at a much higher mean temperature than the other half. Tidal couples orient the components just after fission so that the newly exposed faces are oriented inward but are displaced through a small angle. The comparatively high temperatures of the hot faces cause the star to lose mass asymmetrically by radiation or by loss of atmosphere.The lost mass carries off momentum and the reacting forces add both angular momentum and kinetic energy to the massive components; the mechanism being analogous to that of a skyrocket or a pin wheel. When the excess mass lost from the hot face of the components amounts to roughly one five thousandth of the total mass, the added kinetic energy is sufficient to account for the evolution of any type of binary system and for the remarkable differences noted by Sears in his study of the kinetic energies of various types of stars. The relation of such a mechanism to Novae and Cepheid variables is considered. The introduction of reacting forces due to the asymmetrical loss of momentum removes the serious objections that heretofore faces the fission theory and it now seems probable that almost all stars have become rotationally unstable and divided sometime during their life. The magnitude of the radiation reaction forces makes it seem probable that many companion stars have been separated to infinity and that our sun is one star of such a pair. This conclusion has led to a new and more satisfactory theory of the origin of the solar system.