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[[Image:Acrux.png|right|thumb|[[Acrux]], one of the first stars identified as a binary pair in 1650.]]
A '''binary star''' is actually a name for a star system that is made up of two or more stars that orbit a common center of mass. The brightest star of a binary pair is called the '''primary''', while the other star is called '''companion''', or '''secondary'''.
A '''binary star''' is actually a name for a star system that is made up of two or more stars that orbit a common center of mass. The brightest star of a binary pair is called the '''primary''', while the other star is called '''companion''', or '''secondary'''.
==Classification==
==Classification==
[[Image:Eclipsing binary star animation 2.gif|right|thumb|Example of an eclipsing binary, demonstrating the change in apparent magnitude as seen from an observer.]]
Binary stars are classified by the method of observation used to discover them. These include eclipsing, visual, spectroscopic, and astrometric binaries.
Binary stars are classified by the method of observation used to discover them. These include eclipsing, visual, spectroscopic, and astrometric binaries.
==Evolution of Binary Stars==
==Evolution of Binary Stars==
[[Image:Eclipsing binary star animation 3.gif|right|thumb|Example of a semi-detached binary system as exampled by [[Algol]].]]
Binary pairs have been observed in protostars that have yet to reach the main sequence, suggesting that binaries form in the early stages of star formation. This could be due to the fragmentation of the molecular cloud as the stars first form, allowing for multiple stars to be created in the same system.<ref>http://www.phys.lsu.edu/astro/nap98/bf.final.html</ref>
Binary pairs have been observed in protostars that have yet to reach the main sequence, suggesting that binaries form in the early stages of star formation. This could be due to the fragmentation of the molecular cloud as the stars first form, allowing for multiple stars to be created in the same system.<ref>http://www.phys.lsu.edu/astro/nap98/bf.final.html</ref>