An eclipsing binary is a pair of closely orbiting stars that periodically pass in front of each other from our perspective on Earth, causing eclipses. This celestial arrangement occurs when the orbital plane of the stars aligns with Earth’s line of sight, resulting in a regular pattern of dimming and brightening as one star partially or completely blocks the light from its companion. As the stars orbit each other, they alternate between partial and total eclipses, leading to fluctuations in the combined brightness observed from Earth. By measuring the changes in brightness over time, astronomers can gather valuable information about the stars’ properties, such as their sizes, masses, temperatures, and orbital characteristics. These systems provide insights into stellar evolution, allowing scientists to study binary star systems, derive stellar parameters, and understand various aspects of stellar physics, including the nature of star formation and evolution. Eclipsing binaries are essential tools for astronomers to unravel the mysteries of the universe and comprehend the characteristics of stars in detail.
