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

Kepler also identified around 3,000 eclipsing binary systems, where one star periodically passes in front of the other.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

The light curve of an eclipsing binary star system shows how the combined light from both stars changes due to eclipses over the time span of an orbit.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Here we see the light curve of a hypothetical eclipsing binary star whose orbit we view exactly edge-on, in which the two stars fully eclipse each other.

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)