Stellar masses are measured directly by observations of the motions of
A) eclipsing binary systems.
B) visual binary systems.
C) spectroscopic binary systems.
D) All of the above can give us their masses.
E) Stellar masses cannot be measured directly by any method.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the above methods involve observing binary systems, where the gravitational interaction between the two stars allows for the determination of their masses based on their orbital motions. Eclipsing binaries provide mass information through the timing of eclipses, visual binaries through direct observation of their orbits, and spectroscopic binaries through Doppler shifts in their spectral lines.

Stellar Masses Are Measured Directly by Observations of the Motions