Radial Velocities of Visual Binaries
Abstract
In addition to the initial chemical composition, the mass of a star is a fundamental parameter; it determines the life of the star from its birth, through its long or short period of luminous glory and to its inevitable end as a compact object. And yet, few stars have actually had their mass accurately measured. The programme that has recently been undertaken by Dr. Edwin van Dessel of the Royal Observatory in Brussels, Belgium, is therefore of particular importance. By obtaining precise measurements of radial velocities of stars in double or multiple systems, Dr. van Dessel expects soon to add new, welldetermined stellar masses to the present, all to short list.
- Publication:
-
The Messenger
- Pub Date:
- September 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979Msngr..18....1V
- Keywords:
-
- Binary Stars;
- Radial Velocity;
- Stellar Mass;
- Visual Observation;
- Orbital Elements;
- Stellar Magnitude;
- Velocity Measurement;
- Astrophysics