Visual binaries are pairs of stars that are close enough to each other in the sky that they can be seen as separate points of light through a telescope. These stars orbit around a common center of mass, creating a dynamic relationship. Astronomers can study their movements to learn more about their masses and distances from Earth.
The study of visual binaries is important in the field of astronomy because it helps scientists understand stellar evolution and the formation of star systems. By observing how these stars interact, researchers can gain insights into the life cycles of stars and the gravitational forces at play in the universe.