Radial Velocity of the centre of mass of spectroscopic binary system

In summary, the radial velocity of the center of mass can be determined by averaging the radial velocity of the star over a period.
  • #1
JordanGo
73
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My book says (Foundations of Astrophysics):
" The radial velocity ... can be found from the Doppler shift of the star's absorption lines:
[itex] \nu_{r}=\frac{\Delta\lambda}{\lambda}c [/itex]
If the star you are observing is part of a spectroscopic binary system, you can separate the radial velocity of the star relative to the center of mass and the radial velocity of the center of mass itself. This can be done by averaging the radial velocity of the star over an entire period."

Now I am confused how to find the radial velocity of the center of mass. Can someone show me how?
 
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  • #2
The radial velocity of the center of mass can be found by averaging the radial velocity of the star over a period. This can be done by taking the mean of the observed radial velocities of the star at different points in its orbit. For example, if you were to observe the star at 4 different points in its orbit, you would calculate the mean of those 4 radial velocity values and that would give you the average radial velocity of the center of mass.
 

1. What is the radial velocity of the centre of mass of a spectroscopic binary system?

The radial velocity of the centre of mass of a spectroscopic binary system refers to the speed at which the centre of mass of the system moves towards or away from Earth as a result of the gravitational pull between the two stars in the system.

2. How is the radial velocity of the centre of mass of a spectroscopic binary system measured?

The radial velocity of the centre of mass is measured using spectroscopy, which involves analyzing the Doppler shift of the spectral lines of the stars in the system. As the stars move towards or away from Earth, the wavelength of their spectral lines shifts, allowing us to determine their radial velocity.

3. What factors influence the radial velocity of the centre of mass of a spectroscopic binary system?

The radial velocity of the centre of mass is influenced by the masses and orbital velocities of the stars in the system. The more massive the stars and the faster they orbit each other, the greater the radial velocity of the centre of mass will be.

4. Why is the radial velocity of the centre of mass of a spectroscopic binary system important?

The radial velocity of the centre of mass is an important parameter in determining the orbital parameters and masses of the stars in a spectroscopic binary system. It also allows us to study the dynamics of the system and understand how the stars interact with each other.

5. Can the radial velocity of the centre of mass of a spectroscopic binary system change over time?

Yes, the radial velocity of the centre of mass can change over time as a result of various factors such as the stars' orbital period, distance from Earth, and gravitational interactions with other objects in the system. This is why it is important to continuously monitor and measure the radial velocity of these systems.

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