would it be possible for two earth-like planets in a binary orbit to sustain life? would it basically just be like having a larger moon or would there be more visible gravitational effects than just the tide? obviously the range in distance that would make the effects lesser or greater, so just assume they would be as close as possible
pic wildly unrelated but good to know
>>7776034
I'd say it's possible but from my own research (was writing a short story for it) there are several issues.
1) Tidal locking might make both planets unable to rotate (depending on how old this system is) though this can be alleviated by their revolution around their gravitational center.
2) Tidal forces would be monstrous. If for some reason both planets are still rotating, they would have a noticeable bulge in the crust that always faces its twin and tides would be tens to hundreds of meters. The flex in the crust would generate tons of heat and the bulge moving with the planets' rotation would churn up the oceans something fierce in addition to boiling them at the bottom. (Skip this if Tidal locked)
If "binary orbit" can be interpreted widely then pic related. Basically the habitable planets are locked in the lagrange points of the gas giant.
It sure would be a spectacular view from these planets.
>>7776475
Don't forget the weirdo planet over at L3
>>7776477
L1, L2 and L3 are unstable. That weirdo is not going to hang around for long.
Read Rocheworld.
