spectroscopic binary

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

/ spĕk′trə-skŏp′ĭk /

1. See under binary star

Example Sentences

The star β Cephei has recently been discovered to be a spectroscopic binary with the wonderfully short period of 4h 34m 11s.

From Project Gutenberg

It has recently been found to be a spectroscopic binary.

From Project Gutenberg

The brighter component was found to be a spectroscopic binary by Wright, so that on the whole the star is a most interesting object.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg