A star that is discovered to be a binary system on the basis of the variations in its brightness is called a(n)
A)Spectroscopic binary
B)Astrometric binary
C)Visual binary
D)Eclipsing binary

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A star that is discovered to be a binary system on the basis of the variations in its brightness is an eclipsing binary. Eclipsing binaries are characterized by a periodic dimming of the combined light of the stars as one star passes in front of the other, causing an eclipse. Spectroscopic, astrometric, and visual binaries are identified through different methods of observation, not just variations in brightness.

A Star That Is Discovered to Be a Binary System