The Origin of Binary Stars

2002/09/01 by Joel E. Tohline · 185 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Astronomy #Astrophysics #Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies #Binary number #Binary star #Galaxy #Physics #Star formation #Stars #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies

paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.astro.40.060401.093810

published in Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics 40(1), 349-385 (Annual Reviews)

openalex publication_date 2002/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01

Abstract

▪ Abstract Although we have a general understanding of the manner in which individual stars form, our understanding of how binary stars form is far from complete. This is in large part due to the fact that the star formation process happens very quickly and in regions of the Galaxy that are difficult to study observationally. We review the theoretical models that have been developed in an effort to explain how binaries form. Several proposed mechanisms appear to be quite promising, but none is completely satisfactory.

Citations

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