How Is Total Radial Velocity Determined in Binary Stars?

[Soylentgreen]

I know that in spectroscopic Binaries, you can observe wavelength shifts in each star. But how do you determine the total radial velocity of this system alltogether, and how do you find each star's radial velocity?

 

[MadScientist 1000]

You can determine the radial velocity of a particular star based on the wavelength of light, since a specific speed corresponds to a specific level of red/blue shift.

 

[sir-pinski]

The Doppler shift in binary stars is a phenomenon that occurs when two stars are in orbit around each other. As one star moves towards us, its light appears slightly bluer due to the compression of its light waves. On the other hand, as the star moves away from us, its light appears slightly redder due to the stretching of its light waves. This effect is known as the Doppler shift.

In spectroscopic binaries, we can observe this wavelength shift by analyzing the spectral lines of each star. By measuring the wavelength shift, we can determine the radial velocity of each star, which is the component of its velocity that is towards or away from us.

To determine the total radial velocity of the system, we need to take into account the motion of both stars. This can be done by using the mass ratio of the two stars and the orbital period of the system. By combining these factors with the radial velocities of each star, we can calculate the total radial velocity of the binary system.

Finding the radial velocity of each star individually can be done by analyzing the spectrum of each star separately and measuring the wavelength shift. This can be a challenging task, especially if the stars have similar spectral lines. However, with advanced techniques and technology, astronomers are able to accurately measure the radial velocities of each star in a binary system.

In summary, the Doppler shift in binary stars allows us to determine the radial velocities of each star and the total radial velocity of the system. This information is crucial in understanding the dynamics of binary systems and can provide valuable insights into the properties of these fascinating celestial objects.