Abstract
Because of their orbital motion the components of a binary system show periodic oscillations in radial velocity indicated by the Doppler shifts of the spectral lines. If, in the spectrum of a star, two sets of spectral lines can be observed which oscillate in opposite directions, the star is called a double- lined spectroscopic binary. If only one set of lines is present, the star is called a single-lined spectroscopic binary. Many intrinsic variable stars also show cyclic variations in radial velocity; but these can be excluded from the group of single- lined spectroscopic binaries by the peculiar character of their velocity and light curves. Most stars which we now recognize as single-lined spectroscopic binaries are true double stars, although one cannot absolutely rule out the possibility that a few single stars of a peculiar nature have been included in this group.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
General references
Aitken, R. G.: The Binary Stars. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Comp. 1935. Second edit, remains the standard reference work in the field of double-star astronomy. Chap. 5, written by J. H. Moore, deals with the radial velocity of a star. The orbit of a spectroscopic binary star in Chap. 6 gives a good account of several procedures which are commonly used in deriving the orbital elements from the velocity curve.
Henroteau, F. C.: Handbuch der Astrophysik, Chap. 4, Vol. 6. Berlin: Springer 1928. — This review paper has been superseded by reference [i].
Hynek, J. A.: Astrophysics. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Comp. 1951. — Chap 10, covers recent developments and trends in the study of spectroscopic binaries.
Struve, O.: Stellar Evolution, Chap. 3- Princeton: Princeton University Press 1950. — A comprehensive review of our present knowledge of close binaries. It emphasizes the problems of the origin and evolution of binary stars.
Struve, O., and S.-S. Huang: Occasional Notes. J. Roy. Astronom. Soc. London 3, 161, No. 19 (1957). — This is a supplement to the preceding paper.
Moore, J. H., and F. J. Neubauer: Lick Obs. Bull. 20, No. 521 (1948). — R. BOUIGUE: Ann. Obs. Toulouse 21, 31 (1952); 22, 49 (1954); 23, 45 (1955); 24, 67 (1956). — These compilations contain up to date catalogues of the orbital elements of spectroscopic binaries.
Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1958 Springer-Verlag OHG. Berlin · Göttingen · Heidelberg
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Struve, O., Huang, S.S. (1958). Spectroscopic Binaries. In: Flügge, S. (eds) Astrophysik I: Sternoberflächen-Doppelsterne / Astrophysics I: Stellar-Surfaces-Binaries. Handbuch der Physik / Encyclopedia of Physics, vol 11 / 50. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45906-1_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45906-1_8
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-45907-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-45906-1
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive