Barycentric orbits
Binary Stars
Two stars. One shared center. A gravitational conversation without an end.
Launch Simulation ↗GRAVITATIONAL FIELD · ILLUSTRATION
THE PHYSICS
A closer look.
Both stars orbit their shared center of mass at the same angular rate.
ω² = G(M₁ + M₂) / r³
G is the gravitational constant, M and m are masses, r is separation, c is the speed of light, and b is impact parameter where applicable.
What you can learn
- Locate a system's barycenter
- Relate mass to orbital radius
- Test energy conservation over an orbit
Default bodies
Aster A and Aster B
GRAVITATIONAL FIELD · ILLUSTRATION
The preset begins with equal-mass circular orbits. Stellar interiors, radiation pressure and relativistic motion are omitted.
Space fabric illustrates gravitational influence; it is not a numerical solution of the full Einstein field equations. Visual sizes can be enlarged independently of physical collision radii.