Binary systems of stars are as common as single stars. They are of fundamental importance because they allow stellar masses, radii and luminosities to be measured directly, and explain a host of diverse and energetic phenomena including X-ray binaries, cataclysmic variables, novae, symbiotic stars, and some types of supernovae. This 2001 book was the first to provide a pedagogical and comprehensive introduction to binary stars. It combines theory and observations at all wavelengths to develop a unified understanding of binaries of all categories. It comprehensively reviews methods for calculating orbits, the Roche model, ideas about mass exchange and loss, methods for analysing light curves, the masses and dimensions of different binary systems, and imaging the surfaces of stars and accretion structures. This book provides a thorough introduction to the subject for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Researchers will also find this to be an authoritative reference.

The aim of the present book will be to provide a comprehensive account of our present knowledge of the theory of dynamical phenomena exhibited by elose binary systems; and on the basis of such phenomena as have been attested by available observations to outline probable evolutionary trends of such systems in the course of time. The evolution of the stars - motivated by nuelear as weIl as gravitation al energy sources - constitutes nowadays a well-established branch of stellar astronomy. No theo ries of such an evolution are as yet sufficently specific - let alone infallible - not to require continual tests by a confrontation of their consequences with the observed prop erties of actual stars at different stages of their evolution. The discriminating power of such tests depends, of course, on the range of information offered by the test objects. Single stars which move alone in space are now known to represent only a minority of objects constituting our Galaxy (cf. Chapter 1-2); and are, moreover, not very revealing of their basic physical characteristics - such as their masses or absolute dimensions. If there were no binary systems in the sky, the only star whose vital statistics would be fully known to us would be our Sun.

Introduction to Close Binary Systems provides a comprehensive survey and guide to the fast-moving field of multiple, specifically binary, stars, with an up to date account of research around 'close', i.e. interacting pairs. Such interactions allow direct quantification of stellar properties, opening up factual insights into basic building blocks of the Universe. The book provides a much needed update for the seminal Close Binary Systems of Zdenĕk Kopal. Following a comparable plan, it presents relevant subject matter with an emphasis on building a framework of understanding to serve as a supporting resource for students and researchers. The text starts from a general historical background and progresses into the main theoretical ideas supporting our prima facie interpretation of observations. The central chapters explore further into these observational methods, arranged according to the classic subdivisions of astrometry, spectroscopy and photometry. Optimal inversion of observational data into model parametrization is a theme through these chapters. Significant here is the problem of how non-uniqueness in modelling affects interpretation. The underlying issues of stellar evolution bearing on observational evidence become paramount in the last four chapters. The book proceeds step-by-step from directly understandable examples of unevolved pairs to the challenging cases where stars are found in more and more extreme conditions, leading up to the mergers of massive black hole pairs seen in the new field of gravitational wave astronomy. This is a valuable reference for postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students working in mainstream areas of stellar astrophysics, with applications also to exoplanet research which shares some methodological features. Course designers for stellar astrophysics will find a useful selection of topics within this book. Key features: • Provides a well-explained and backgrounded, up-to-date account of close binary systems, in a fast-moving field of research that is growing in scientific importance • Surveys a wide range of case-studies within the context of binary and multiple star systems • Fills an acknowledged gap in current literature Cover Image: A public memorial to Zdenek Kopal in his home town (birthplace) of Litomysl in Czechia.

Since the 1970s symposia or colloquia devoted to recent research on close binaries have been held around the world almost annually. At meetings of the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union this topic has also been discussed in detail at presentations in various commission meetings and also as invited talks by leading astronomers in the field. In recent years, fundamental changes have taken place in the study of close binaries due to the improvements in observational techniques, extension of observations from X-ray to radio regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, and advances in theoretical studies. For more than a decade, a group of astronomers at Ege University Observatory has been concentrating on active close binaries with particular emphasis on the behaviour of the light curves of chromospherically active systems. Thus, we decided to organize an international meeting in Western Anatolia, where this part of Turkey had been the cradle for great developments in science during antiquity. KUljadasi, located only minutes away from Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the world, was selected to be the meeting site. Close binary systems constitute a very rich source of information about the physical properties of the component stars. Some systems are eclipsing variables, where periodic recurrences of eclipses are observed as comparatively brief decreases in the total brightness of the binary system. Precise methods of photometric observations make it possible to obtain the light variations of these systems because of eclipses and other phenomena.

Focussing on the formulation of mathematical models for the light curves of eclipsing binary stars, and on the algorithms for generating such models, this book provides astronomers, both amateur and professional, with a guide for - specifying an astrophysical model for a set of observations - selecting an algorithm to determine the parameters of the model - estimating the errors of the parameters. It is written for readers with knowledge of basic calculus and linear algebra; appendices cover mathematical details on such matters as optimisation, co-ordinate systems, and specific models. While emphasising the physical and mathematical framework, the discussion remains close to the problems of actual implementation. The book concludes with chapters on specific models and approaches and the authors'views on the structure of future light-curve programs.

An introductory illustrated and comprehensive guide to observing and understanding the night sky. This book provides a survey of science's growing understanding of space and includes details of the latest space probes. The most recent photographs from the world's finest observatories and space-based cameras capture the wonder and beauty of the universe. Astronomy covers a wide variety of heavenly phenomenon: Distant stars Planets of the Solar System Comets and shooting stars Eclipses Black holes. Vivid cross-sections of the planets with a concise description and a chart of their relative distance from the sun provide at-a-glance information. A series of monthly sky charts point out constellations, star clusters, galaxies, nebula and more. The sky maps use easy-to-read symbols to identify open and globular star clusters, galaxies and planetary nebula. The constellations are labeled and diagramed. Spectacular images of space phenomenon are further explained with colorful digital graphics. Nebula, clusters, galaxies, etc. are profiled with color images and short descriptions. A pictograph tells whether binoculars or a telescope is required. Astronomy is a fascinating and easy-to-use illustrated reference for amateur astronomers of all levels.