spectroscopic binary

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. 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 /

1. See under binary star

---

Example Sentences

In visual binaries, the two stars can be seen separately in a telescope, whereas in a spectroscopic binary, only the spectrum reveals the presence of two stars.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

These curves plot the radial velocities of two stars in a spectroscopic binary system, showing how the stars alternately approach and recede from Earth.

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

Capella has been found to be a spectroscopic binary; also the pole star.

From Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by Todd, David Peck