Why Wide Jupiter-Mass Binary-Objects Cannot Form

Abstract

The discovery of $N_{\mathrm{pp}}=40$ Jupiter-mass binary objects (JuMBOs) alongside $N_{\mathrm{p}}=500$ free-floating Jupiter-mass objects (JMOs) in the Trapezium cluster's central portion raises questions about their origin \cite{2023arXiv231001231P}. \citet{2024NatAs...8..756W} argue that the rate at which two planets orbiting the same star are stripped by a close encounter can explain about half the observed JuMBOs in the Trapezium cluster. Although, their cross-section calculations agree with our own \citep{2024ScPA....3....1P}, one cannot extrapolate their results into clustered environments because it ignores the dissociation of JuMBOs due to subsequent encounters in the clustered environment. The inability of forming JuMBOs via the proposed scenario either calls for another formation mechanism, or the observed JuMBOs require thorough confirmation.

Accepted for publication in Nature Astronomy (5 pages). This is a post-peer-review, pre-copy edit version of an article published in Nature Astronomy. The final authenticated version is available online at DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02609-4

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• Measurement of Circumstellar Disk Sizes in the Upper Scorpius OB Association with ALMA
• Jupiter Mass Binary Objects in the Trapezium Cluster
• Free-Floating Planets, Survivor Planets, Captured Planets and Binary Planets from Stellar Flybys
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