Moons in close binary solar systems have a better
chance of hosting life than those in single-star systems, new research has shown.
Binary stars dampen each other's solar radiation and stellar winds, thereby creating a more hospitable environment for life and increasing the habitable zone around such solar systems, according to research presented at the 223rd American Astronomical Society meeting in January.
"The two stars calm each other down in terms of activity," said Paul Mason, an astrophysicist at the University of Texas at El Paso in an interview with Astrobiology Magazine. [13 Ways to Hunt Intelligent Alien Life]