Astronomy 101/103 __________________________ Terry Herter

You need a JAVA enabled browser to view this simulation. Please note: there is an error in the routine at zero degrees use one degree instead.

DESCRIPTION:

Orbiting stars which are separated by a small distance may pass in front of one another. It is not possible for astronomers to see the individual stars, but there will be a change in the total light coming from the two stars when they "eclipse" one another. This simulation shows how this eclipse happens.

We have the following definitions:

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the inclination angle, separation, and star types.
• Click "enter values" to update the simulation parameters.
• Use "pause" to start and stop the simulation, if desired.
• If the picture is messed up at anytime, use "clear graph" to redraw it.

EXAMPLE TO TRY:

• Change separation to 6.
• Change star 2 to "F".
• "Enter values".

Please note then:

• The flat bottom light curve because star 2 is completely inside (or behind) star.
• Note that when the F-star is in front of the A-star light from the system is reduced more than when the F-star is behind the A-star.
  • This is because the F-star is cooler than the A-star.