Binary star system. Numerical simulation of the gravitational interaction of the stars and planets of a binary star system. Most stars are not single stars. Instead, they exist as pairs and the two stars rotate around a common centre of gravity. In this simulation the two white spheres represent the stars, whilst the coloured spheres orbiting them represent planets. The motions of the planets can be greatly influenced by the masses of the binaries and the nature of their mutual orbits. Some planets will be ejected from the system, while others will be able to maintain stable orbits. Here, the second star is not initially visible. As it passes, its gravitational force affects the orbits of the outer planets, but less so than in K003/8348. The grid depicts the directions of the coordinate system. For a series of clips showing different binary star system configurations, see K003/8346 to K003/8350.