The light intensity from a particular star remains essentially constant,except for short and regular decreases and increases by a fixed amount.What is the explanation for this phenomenon?
A) One star is regularly eclipsing its companion as they move in mutual orbits whose plane is close to the line of sight.
B) A variable star is pulsating in size, temperature, and intensity.
C) A massive, dark planet is periodically passing in front of the star's visible surface.
D) Shells of absorbing gas and dust are being periodically ejected from the star's surface and are subsequently dispersing into space.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The regular decreases and increases in light intensity suggest that one star is eclipsing another star or companion as they orbit each other, and the plane of their orbit is close to our line of sight. This phenomenon is known as eclipsing binary.

The Light Intensity from a Particular Star Remains Essentially Constant,except