binary star

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "binary star" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to two stars that orbit around each other, such as Alpha Centauri, which is the closest binary star system to Earth. For example, you could write "Alpha Centauri is a binary star system located 4.37 light-years away from Earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

See also variable star; binary star.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, millisecond pulsars often occur in binary star systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But many stars are partnered in binary star systems.

The Economist

"It was supposed to be a picture of a binary star, a pair of stars.

The Guardian

Light curve of Algol (Beta Persei), an eclipsing variable, or eclipsing binary, star system.

Britannica

Astronomers later explained this variability by assuming that Algol is a binary star system.

MIT Technology Review

His first assignment was in the astronomy department, visualizing the evolution of binary star systems.

The New York Times

Such mechanisms require significant mutual inclinations between the planetary and binary star orbital planes.

Nature

Haghighipour, N. & Kaltenegger, L. Calculating the habitable zone of binary star systems.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is a binary star in the constellation Canis Major.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The binary star planet configuration constitutes a hierarchical three body problem, see Fig. 1.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "binary star" systems, specify the type (eclipsing, spectroscopic, visual) to provide more precise information. For example, "Algol is an eclipsing binary star system".

Common error

Avoid assuming that one star in a "binary star" system is stationary or insignificant. Both stars exert a gravitational influence on each other, affecting their orbits and evolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "binary star" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a compound noun, identifying a type of star system. As Ludwig indicates, it's used to describe a system where two stars are gravitationally bound and orbit a common center of mass. The examples provided by Ludwig show it modifying other words to further explain the topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "binary star" refers to a stellar system consisting of two stars orbiting around their common center of mass. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in scientific and astronomical contexts. With a "Very common" frequency, its purpose is primarily descriptive and informative, categorizing a specific type of star system. Usage spans across diverse sources like "Science", "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias". Keep in mind that while discussing a "binary star", specifying the type (eclipsing, spectroscopic, etc.) provides a higher level of precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

double star system

Replaces "star" with "system" for emphasis on the system aspect

binary system

Shortened version omitting the word "star".

double star

A shorter and more general term.

stellar binary

Swaps the order of the words "stellar" and "binary".

pair of stars

Emphasizes the duality of the stars.

companion star system

Highlights the companion relationship between the two stars.

eclipsing binary

Describes a specific type of binary where one star eclipses the other.

spectroscopic binary

Describes a binary star system identified through spectroscopy.

visual binary

Describes a binary star system visually resolved through a telescope.

astronomical binary

Highlights the astronomical nature of the binary system.

FAQs

How to use "binary star" in a sentence?

You can use "binary star" to describe a system where two stars orbit each other. For example, "The astronomer discovered a new "binary star" system in the constellation Cygnus".

What is another term for "binary star"?

Another term for "binary star" is "double star". It refers to the same phenomenon of two stars orbiting a common center of mass.

What's the difference between a "binary star" and a single star system?

A "binary star" is a system of two stars orbiting each other, while a single star system consists of only one star. Our Sun is an example of a single star system.

Are planets possible in "binary star" systems?

Yes, planets can exist in "binary star" systems. These planets, called circumbinary planets, orbit both stars. The planet Tatooine in Star Wars is a fictional example of a planet in a "binary star" system.