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spectroscopic binary

spectroscopic binary

A Dictionary of Astronomy | 1997 | Copyright

spectroscopic binary A binary star that cannot be resolved visually or photographically, but whose duplexity is established by periodic Doppler shifts of lines in its spectrum. All close binaries (including cataclysmic and interacting binaries) fall into this category, as do most eclipsing binaries. The information obtainable about a spectroscopic system depends on whether a radial velocity curve can be obtained for one or both components. With a single-line binary, it is possible to obtain only an expression known as the mass function, which is a combination of the masses of each star and the inclination of the orbit. With a composite-spectrum binary or double-lined binary, the relative masses may be derived from the mass ratio. If the orbital inclination can be found (normally only in eclipsing systems), the dimensions and masses of the stars can be calculated. With interacting binaries, there are limitations to the latter procedure because of their complex structure.
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"spectroscopic binary." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"spectroscopic binary." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-spectroscopicbinary.html

"spectroscopic binary." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-spectroscopicbinary.html

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spectroscopic binary

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. | 2011 | Copyright

spectroscopic binary see binary star .

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"spectroscopic binary." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"spectroscopic binary." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-spectbin.html

"spectroscopic binary." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-spectbin.html

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spectroscopic binary

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | | Copyright

spectroscopic binary See STAR PAIR.
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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "spectroscopic binary." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "spectroscopic binary." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-spectroscopicbinary.html

AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "spectroscopic binary." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-spectroscopicbinary.html

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