spectroscopic binary

American

noun

Astronomy.

a binary star having components that are not sufficiently separated to be resolved by a telescope, known to be a binary only bythe variations in wavelength of emitted light that are detected by a spectroscope.

spectroscopic binary Scientific

/ spĕk′trə-skŏp′ĭk /

See under binary star

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Figure 18.7 shows the velocity of two stars in a spectroscopic binary system.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

The discovery that Algol is a spectroscopic binary verified Goodricke’s hypothesis.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Describe the spectra for a spectroscopic binary for a system comprised of an F-type and L-type star.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Which is easier to observe at large distances—a spectroscopic binary or a visual binary?

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Prof. Campbell estimates that fully one star in six is a spectroscopic binary.

From Are the Planets Inhabited? by Maunder, E. Walter (Edward Walter)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023