Pulsations in Binary Star Systems

High-precision and long-duration light curves from space telescopes have revolutionized the fields of asteroseismology and binary star systems. In particular, the number of pulsating systems in eclipsing binaries has drastically increased thanks to space-based observations covering almost the entire sky. When combined with multiepoch spectroscopy, this not only allows us to measure model-independent dynamical masses and radii for thousands of eclipsing binary systems but also facilitates the powerful synergy of binarity and asteroseismology. Moreover, asteroseismology of pre- and postinteraction binary stars allows the physics of binary evolution, including tides, mass transfer, and even mergers, to be constrained. ▪ Eclipsing binaries are among the best laboratories for testing stellar structure and evolution theory because we are able to measure their masses and radii independently of models. ▪ Combining binary and asteroseismic modeling yields precise constraints on the physical processes at work within stellar interiors, such as rotation and mixing. ▪ Pulsating binaries are challenging to study, given the plethora of different techniques and physical processes that need to be considered depending on their orbital and physical properties. ▪ The impact of tides on the pulsational, stellar structure, and orbital properties of a binary system can be tested through tidal asteroseismology.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Published
2026-08-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-astro-120425-015551
Citations
5
Primary Topic
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
23.53
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Pulsations in Binary Star Systems

D. M. Bowman, J. Southworth
5 citations
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
23.53
article

Pulsations in Binary Star Systems

D. M. Bowman, J. Southworth
article en
5 citations

Abstract

High-precision and long-duration light curves from space telescopes have revolutionized the fields of asteroseismology and binary star systems. In particular, the number of pulsating systems in eclipsing binaries has drastically increased thanks to space-based observations covering almost the entire sky. When combined with multiepoch spectroscopy, this not only allows us to measure model-independent dynamical masses and radii for thousands of eclipsing binary systems but also facilitates the powerful synergy of binarity and asteroseismology. Moreover, asteroseismology of pre- and postinteraction binary stars allows the physics of binary evolution, including tides, mass transfer, and even mergers, to be constrained. ▪ Eclipsing binaries are among the best laboratories for testing stellar structure and evolution theory because we are able to measure their masses and radii independently of models. ▪ Combining binary and asteroseismic modeling yields precise constraints on the physical processes at work within stellar interiors, such as rotation and mixing. ▪ Pulsating binaries are challenging to study, given the plethora of different techniques and physical processes that need to be considered depending on their orbital and physical properties. ▪ The impact of tides on the pulsational, stellar structure, and orbital properties of a binary system can be tested through tidal asteroseismology.

Annual Review of Astronomy and AstrophysicsVol. 64(1)
Newcastle College (GB), Institute of Astronomy (RU), Keele University (GB), Newcastle University (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
23.53
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.