Binary System Simulator

The Binary System Simulator does exactly what its title says.  It simulates two stars in orbit around each other.  The orbits are assumed to be circular for simplicity, as this tool is intended for an introductory course in Astronomy rather than an Astrophysics course in which one would consider elliptical orbits and views other than top-down or edge-on.  This tool also simulates the radial velocity curve for the two stars of the system assuming a direct edge-on view.

Users are presented with the orbital velocities of the two stars and the orbital period of the system.  By using the period, P, and the two velocities, one can calculate the average separation, a,

a = 2π * P * (v_A + v_B).

The ratio of the masses can be found using the ratio of the two velocities,

M_A / M_B = v_B / v_A.

The total mass of the system can be calculated using Kepler's Third Law.  Here, we assume the period, P, is measured in years and the average separation, a, is in AU yielding mass measured in solar mass units, M_☉,

M_A + M_B = a³ / P².

The individual masses can be determined by solving the ratio equation and the total mass equations simultaneously.  These equations can be displayed in the simulator by pressing the "F" key.  An example problem and solution can be displayed by pressing the "E" key.

The resulting average separation between the stars and individual masses of the two stars can be entered into their respective fields.  If the correct values are entered, the text turns green and a chime is played.  If the entered values are incorrect, the text turns red and a buzzer sounds.  When all three parameters are entered correctly, a fanfare plays letting the user know they have solved the problem completely and correctly.