How do binary stars orbit each other?

Binary stars orbit each other due to their mutual gravitational attraction.

Binary stars are two stars that orbit around a common center of mass. The gravitational force between the two stars causes them to revolve around each other. The center of mass is not always located at the center of the stars, but rather closer to the more massive star. This is because the more massive star exerts a stronger gravitational force, causing the center of mass to shift towards it.

The orbit of binary stars can be circular or elliptical, depending on the initial conditions of the system. The period of the orbit is determined by the masses of the stars and the distance between them. The closer the stars are to each other, the faster they orbit around the center of mass.

Binary stars can also exhibit various types of motion, such as radial velocity and proper motion. Radial velocity is the motion of the stars towards or away from us, while proper motion is the motion of the stars across the sky. These motions can be used to determine the masses and distances of the stars in the binary system.

Overall, the orbit of binary stars is a complex phenomenon that is governed by the laws of gravity and motion. Studying binary stars can provide valuable insights into the properties and behavior of stars, as well as the fundamental laws of physics.