Spectroscopic Binaries


Spectroscopic binaries are a type of binary star system in which the two stars are too close together to be resolved through a telescope. Instead, their presence is detected through the Doppler shift of their combined spectral lines. As the stars orbit around their common center of mass, they alternately move towards and away from the observer, causing the spectral lines to shift towards the blue and red ends of the spectrum, respectively. By measuring the period and amplitude of these shifts, astronomers can determine the orbital parameters of the system, such as the period, eccentricity, and mass ratio. Spectroscopic binaries are important for studying the properties of stars, such as their masses, radii, and temperatures, as well as for testing theories of stellar evolution and binary star formation.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • High-energy Particles: High-energy particles refer to subatomic particles that have a kinetic energy much higher than the energy of particles at ambient temperature. These particles can be found in cosmic rays, solar flares, and other astrophysical phenomena. Hig ... Read More >>
  • Hypersonic Flight: Hypersonic flight is a type of flight where the vehicle travels at speeds greater than Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound. This type of flight requires advanced materials and propulsion systems to withstand the high temperatures ... Read More >>
  • Biochemistry: Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. It focuses on the structure and function of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as the metabolism o ... Read More >>
Top News

Bestselling author explains the science of happiness: "You can do the work"...

Bestselling author and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks opens up about how enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning in life can increase a person's wellbeing....

News Source: CBS News on 2024-11-18

November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. H...

November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon....

News Source: CBS News on 2024-11-15

You can't put a price on the sense of awe particle physics inspires...

Astronomy and particle physics are no longer seen as vital by the US establishment, so funding has fallen. But our work creates a sense of wonder, and wonder matters, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein...

News Source: New Scientist on 2024-11-13

If you want to stretch your gift game into days this holiday, check out these ad...

The advent calendar phenomenon is growing every year, with so many exciting, fun, beautiful, and delicious options available...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-04

November brings a bonanza of meteor showers...

November brings a skywatching bonanza, with three meteor showers — the Southern Taurids, Northern Taurids and Orionids — offering chances to see shooting stars....

News Source: NBC News on 2024-11-02