Binary stars

Definition

Binary stars are systems in which two stars orbit around a common center of mass. They provide crucial information for determining stellar masses and understanding stellar evolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Binary stars can be classified into visual binaries, spectroscopic binaries, and eclipsing binaries based on how they are observed.
2. The orbital period of binary stars can range from minutes to thousands of years.
3. Kepler's laws of motion can be used to determine the masses of the stars in a binary system.
4. Eclipsing binaries allow astronomers to determine both the size and mass of the component stars.
5. More than half of all star systems in our galaxy are believed to be binary or multiple star systems.

Review Questions

Related terms

Parallax:

The apparent shift in position of a nearby star against the background of distant objects due to Earth's orbit.

Spectroscopy:

A technique used to measure properties such as velocity, temperature, and composition by analyzing the light spectrum emitted by an object.

Light Curve:

A graph showing the brightness of an astronomical object over time, useful for studying variable stars and eclipsing binaries.