Spectroscopic binary

A spectroscopic binary is a type of star system where two stars orbit each other closely. Instead of seeing them as separate stars, astronomers detect them by examining their light. As the stars move, their light shifts between red and blue due to the Doppler effect, similar to how a passing siren changes pitch. By analyzing these light changes, scientists can determine the stars' speeds, masses, and orbital paths, helping us understand their properties and behavior. This method is particularly useful when the stars are too close together to be seen individually.