spectroscopic binary

noun

, Astronomy.

a binary star having components that are not sufficiently separated to be resolved by a telescope, known to be a binary only bythe variations in wavelength of emitted light that are detected by a spectroscope.

/ spĕk′trə-skŏp′ĭk /

Capella has been found to be a spectroscopic binary; also the pole star.

This star, which is the Algol variable V Puppis, has been found to be a spectroscopic binary.

The star β Cephei has recently been discovered to be a spectroscopic binary with the wonderfully short period of 4h 34m 11s.

Prof. Campbell estimates that fully one star in six is a spectroscopic binary.

A star shown to be double by the spectroscope, but not by the telescope, is called a spectroscopic binary star.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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