AST-349intermediate

Binary, Multiple & Variable Stars: Observation, Measurement & Evidence

Many stars are members of binary or multiple systems, and many also vary in brightness. Binary stars provide the most direct stellar mass measurements and calibrate stellar models.

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intermediate47 minFact checked

Binary, Multiple & Variable Stars: Observation, Measurement & Evidence

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AST-348Binary, Multiple & Variable Stars: Physical Mechanisms→

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AST-350Binary, Multiple & Variable Stars: Advanced Connections→

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Many stars are members of binary or multiple systems, and many also vary in brightness.

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Two bound stars orbit their common center of mass according to gravity.

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Periodic radial-velocity shifts reveal orbital periods and velocity amplitudes, while eclipse light curves constrain radii and inclination.