binary star system has two stars, both with a mass of $2\mathrm{.}9$ x $1030$ kg separated by $2\mathrm{.}5$ x $1011$ meters. They

both have the same radii equal to $3$ x $108$ meters.

a$)$ A comet is very far away and essentially at rest. Slowly, but surely, gravity pulls the comet toward the

stars. Suppose the comet travels along a straight line that passes through the midpoint between the two stars.

What is the comet$$s speed at the midpoint?

b$)$ If the two stars are allowed to come together due to gravity, what will be their velocities at impact?