Spectroscopic Binaries
Spectroscopic binaries are star systems that consist of two stars orbiting each other, which cannot be resolved as separate entities through a telescope. Instead, their presence is detected by analyzing the light they emit. As the stars move in their orbits, their light shifts in wavelength due to the Doppler effect, creating a pattern of spectral lines that can be observed and measured.
By studying these spectral lines, astronomers can determine the stars' velocities, masses, and orbital characteristics. This information helps in understanding stellar evolution and the dynamics of binary systems, contributing to the broader field of astrophysics.