eclipsing binary

American  

[i-klip-sing bahy-nuh-ree] / ɪˈklɪp sɪŋ ˈbaɪ nə ri /

noun

1. Astronomy. a binary star with temporary decreases in apparent brightness due to the distinct orbits of its two component stars, which periodically pass each other, with one eclipsing the other.

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eclipsing binary British  

noun

1. a binary star whose orbital plane lies in or near the line of sight so that one component is regularly eclipsed by its companion See also variable star

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eclipsing binary Scientific  

/ ĭ-klĭp′sĭng /

1. See under binary star

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Example Sentences

You are able to take spectra of both stars in an eclipsing binary system.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Figure 18.11 shows the light curve of a hypothetical eclipsing binary star in which the light of one star is completely blocked by another.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

The eclipsing binary Algol drops from maximum to minimum brightness in about 4 hours, remains at minimum brightness for 20 minutes, and then takes another 4 hours to return to maximum brightness.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

The technique involves making a light curve of an eclipsing binary, a graph that plots how the brightness changes with time.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

It is virtually certain that RR Centauri is a case of an eclipsing binary system, and that the two stars are close together.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)