The average distance between the two stars is 792 light years
Let the mass of the first star be [tex]m_1[/tex]
Let the mass of the second star be [tex]m_2[/tex]
The combined mass of the two stars, [tex]m_1+m_2=5.5[/tex] solar masses
The orbital period of the stars, P = 12 years
Average distance between the two stars, D = ?
The average distance between the two stars can be calculated using Kepler's equation
[tex]D=(m_1+m_2)P^2[/tex]
Substitute [tex]m_1+m_2=5.5[/tex] and P = 12 into the formula [tex]D=(m_1+m_2)P^2[/tex]
[tex]D=5.5(12^2)[/tex]
D = 5.5(144)
D = 792 light years
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