The Digital Press

Researchers studied a rare triple star system where a brighter third star orbits a contact eclipsing binary, using spectral and photometric data to reveal detailed orbital characteristics. They developed new methods to measure orbital periods and masses, improving understanding of such complex stellar systems.

Why it matters: Precise radial velocities and light travel time effects reveal the orbit of a bright third star around a contact binary.

The big picture: Hierarchical triples with a dominant outer star offer insights into stellar dynamics and evolution in multi-star systems.

Stunning stat: The third star’s orbital period is tightly constrained at 941.40 ± 0.03 days with a low eccentricity of 0.059 ± 0.007.

Quick takeaway: New empirical method links rotational velocity changes to contact binary periods and minimal masses for better system characterization.