A binary system is a type of system that consists of two components or parts. In astronomy, it often refers to a pair of stars that orbit around a common center of mass. These stars can be similar in size, or one may be much larger than the other. Binary systems help astronomers understand stellar evolution and the dynamics of celestial bodies. In computing, a binary system refers to the base-2 numeral system, which uses only two digits: 0 and 1. This system is fundamental to computer science, as it forms the basis for all digital data processing. Each binary digit, or bit, represents a power of two, allowing computers to perform complex calculations and store information efficiently.