Introductory
Total mass of a visual binary
A visual binary has an orbital period yr and an angular semi-major axis of . Its parallax is . Find the total mass of the system in solar masses.
Saved in this browser only, no account needed.
Reading resources
Material that covers the physics behind this problem.
- An Introduction to Modern AstrophysicsCarroll & Ostlie
The standard reference for olympiad-level astrophysics. Chapters 1-3 cover the celestial sphere, orbits and the magnitude system.
Textbook - HyperPhysics. AstrophysicsGeorgia State University
Quick concept maps and formula references. Good for refreshing a relationship mid-problem.
Website