Astronomy Lab: Binary Stars Lab

Goal: To determine the mass of a binary star from observations

Simulation

Use the Eclipsing Binary Simulator at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln lab to conduct this "observation". If you have not already done so, you can download the simulation package from Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Materials and tools

Review the background pages on the following topics. Be sure to complete the simulator demonstrations they involve.
- Center of Mass
- Spectral Types of Stars
- Luminosity
- Light Curves
Review the the Binary Star - Student Guide

Procedure

Follow the instructions in the Student Guide and use the simulators listed on the Variable Star Photometry Lab under "Main Content" as instructed to complete your observations, calculations, and answer the questions.

Report

Turn in your completed Student Guide when you have answered all the questions.

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