Eclipsing binaries are less common than spectroscopic binaries because:
A)their orbital planes must be nearly edge on from our perspective.
B)their orbital planes must be nearly face on from our perspective.
C)both stars must have the same mass.
D)both stars must have the same diameter.
E)both stars must be spectral type O or B.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eclipsing binaries occur when the two stars pass in front of each other as seen from Earth, causing a temporary decrease in brightness known as an eclipse. For us to observe an eclipse, the orbital planes of the stars must be nearly edge-on from our perspective. This makes eclipsing binaries less common than spectroscopic binaries, where we detect changes in the star's spectra rather than changes in brightness. The other choices do not affect the occurrence of eclipsing binaries. Eclipsing binaries require their orbital planes to be nearly edge on from our perspective in order for us to observe them passing in front of each other and causing periodic drops in brightness. Spectroscopic binaries, on the other hand, can be observed through their Doppler shifts and do not require a specific orientation of their orbital planes.

Eclipsing Binaries Are Less Common Than Spectroscopic Binaries Because