Binary star biography

Two astronomical bodies which orbit each other

For binary numbers, see Binary number.For other uses, see Binary system (disambiguation).

A binary system is a system of two astronomical bodies of the same kind that are comparable in size.

Definitions vary, but typically require the center of mass to be located outside of either object. (See animated examples.)

The most common kinds of binary system are binary stars and binary asteroids, but brown dwarfs, planets, neutron stars, black holes and galaxies can also form binaries.

A multiple system is similar but consists of three or more objects, for example trinary stars and trinary asteroids.

Binary star biography example

Classification

In a binary system, the brighter or more massive object is referred to as primary, and the other the secondary.

Binary stars are also classified based on orbit. Wide binaries are objects with orbits that keep them apart from one another.

They evolve separately and have very little effect on ea