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What two pieces of information would you need in order to measure the masses of stars in an eclipsing binary system?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
the time between eclipses and the average distance between the stars
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Soid Ali
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Why is the term 'eclipsing binaries' appropriate to describe binary stars?
Figuring out what mass a star has is tricky. We have to calculate things like temperature, mass, and distance, and each calculation depends on the others. When two bodies orbit each other, we can calculate their masses based on the orbital time and the distance between them. When the binaries are eclipsing each other, that helps a LOT to figure out the distance between them and their masses.
How can stellar masses be determined by observing binary star systems?
Stellar masses can be determined by observing binary star-systems. The calculations of the orbits of the binary stars allow the masses of their component stars to be directly determined, which in turn allows other stellar parameters, such as radius and density, to be indirectly estimated.
Where is the barycenter located when binary stars have similar masses?
somewhere between the stars
How can a binary star system be detected?
According to the book Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe, astronomers can identify binary stars by measuring the position of the visible star in the pair and noting shifts as it orbits the center of mass between it and the unseen companion star.
What unit is used to measure a planet?
Kilometers, kilograms or Earth masses and Earth radii.
What information can be gained from the light curves of eclipsing binaries?
By studying the variation of the light from an eclipsing binary's light curve, astronomers can derive detailed information not only about the stars' orbits and masses, but also about their radii.(McMillian)
Why are eclipsing binary systems important?
It is easy (with the right equipment ) to measure the periodicity of the eclipsing system and thereby the rotational speeds and thereby the relative masses and thereby (with the brightness) the distance and all sorts of other things.
Are eclipsing binary stars better for determining masses than non-eclipsing binaries?
Yes, because it is easier to determine the precise times of their mutual orbits, which allows us to calculate their masses.
Why is the term 'eclipsing binaries' appropriate to describe binary stars?
Figuring out what mass a star has is tricky. We have to calculate things like temperature, mass, and distance, and each calculation depends on the others. When two bodies orbit each other, we can calculate their masses based on the orbital time and the distance between them. When the binaries are eclipsing each other, that helps a LOT to figure out the distance between them and their masses.
How can stellar masses be determined by observing binary star systems?
Stellar masses can be determined by observing binary star-systems. The calculations of the orbits of the binary stars allow the masses of their component stars to be directly determined, which in turn allows other stellar parameters, such as radius and density, to be indirectly estimated.
What are Binary stars used to determine?
The masses of the two stars.
What laboratory apparatus is used to measure masses of substance or objects?
A balance.See the Related Questions to the left for more information.
Where is the barycenter located when binary stars have similar masses?
somewhere between the stars
What are two instruments that measure air masses?
you
Is an objects density the measure of the amount of matter in the object compared to known masses?
is an objects density the measure of the amount of matter in the object compared to known masses
How can a binary star system be detected?
According to the book Earth Science: Geology, the Environment, and the Universe, astronomers can identify binary stars by measuring the position of the visible star in the pair and noting shifts as it orbits the center of mass between it and the unseen companion star.
What is the spin rate and masses of a neutron star in a binary pulsar?
Multiple questions in a single question. Please split into single questions.
