Editing Star system (section)

== Detection ==

There are various [[Binary star#Methods of observation|methods to detect]] star systems and distinguish them from optical binaries multiples. These include:
* Make observations six months apart and look for differences caused by [[stellar parallax|parallaxes]]. (Not feasible for distant stars.)
* Directly observe the stars orbiting each other or an apparently empty space (such as a dim star or [[neutron star]]). (Not feasible for distant stars or those with long orbital periods.)
* Observe a varying [[Doppler shift]].
* Observe fluctuations in brightness that result from [[eclipse]]s. (Relies on the Earth being in the [[orbital plane]].)
* Observe fluctuations in brightness that result from stars reflecting each others' light or gravitationally deforming each other.