Binary systems are pairs of astronomical objects, typically stars, that orbit around a common center of mass due to gravitational attraction. These systems provide critical insights into stellar masses, evolution, and the dynamics of celestial bodies.
Orbital mechanics, also known as celestial mechanics, is the study of the motions of artificial and natural celestial bodies under the influence of gravitational forces. It is fundamental for understanding satellite trajectories, space mission planning, and the dynamics of planetary systems.
The mass-luminosity relation is a fundamental principle in astrophysics that describes the relationship between the mass of a star and its luminosity, indicating that more massive stars are exponentially more luminous. This relation is crucial for understanding stellar evolution and is primarily applicable to main-sequence stars, where luminosity increases roughly with the cube of the star's mass.
Compact object mergers are astrophysical events where two dense celestial bodies, such as neutron stars or black holes, collide and merge, releasing significant amounts of energy often detectable as gravitational waves. These mergers provide insights into the properties of matter under extreme conditions and contribute to our understanding of the universe's evolution and the formation of heavy elements.