PURPOSE: To illustrate the orbits of stars in an eclipsing binary.

DESCRIPTION: The model consists of two spheres, each representing a star, which are mounted on the ends of a dowel rod. The rod can be rotated, showing how eclipses can occur and at what period the orbital velocities of the stars can be found.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: (PIRA 8B10.10)

EQUIPMENT: Spheres on dowel attached to post using rotating clamp assembly.

SETUP TIME: 5 min.