Astrophysics > Binary and Variable Stars
The study of binary and variable stars reveals vital information about stars
Students learn to:
- describe binary stars in terms of the means of their detection: visual, eclipsing, spectroscopic and astrometric
- explain the importance of binary stars in determining stellar masses
- classify variable stars as either intrinsic or extrinsic and periodic or non-periodic
- explain the importance of the period-luminosity relationship for determining the distance of cepheids
Extract from Physics Stage 6 Syllabus (Amended October 2002). © 2009, Board of Studies NSW.