Why are spectroscopic binaries difficult to analyze?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spectroscopic binaries are difficult to analyze because we cannot see the shape or tilt of the orbit directly. This is because we only observe the spectra of the stars, which tells us their radial velocities but not their positions in the sky or their relative orientation. Additionally, other factors such as variations in the stars' spectral lines and the presence of spectral lines from third stars in the system can complicate the analysis. While we can use the observed radial velocities to calculate the stars' masses and other properties, doing so accurately requires sophisticated mathematical modeling and assumptions about the system that may not always be accurate.

Why Are Spectroscopic Binaries Difficult to Analyze