optical double star
noun
See under double star.
Words nearby optical double star
optical computer,
optical crown,
optical density,
optical disc,
optical disk,
optical double star,
optical effects,
optical fiber,
optical fibre,
optical flint,
optical glass
Definition for optical double star (2 of 2)
double star
noun Astronomy.
two stars that appear as one if not viewed through a telescope with adequate magnification, such as two stars that are separated by a great distance but are nearly in line with each other and an observer (optical double star), or those that are relatively close together and comprise a single physical system (physical double star).
Compare
binary star.
Origin of double star
First recorded in 1775–85
British Dictionary definitions for optical double star (1 of 2)
double star
noun
two stars, appearing close together when viewed through a telescope; either physically associated (binary star) or not associated (optical double star)
See also binary star, optical double star
British Dictionary definitions for optical double star (2 of 2)
optical double star
noun
two stars that appear close together when viewed through a telescope but are not physically associated and are often separated by a great distance
Compare binary star
Scientific definitions for optical double star
double star
See binary star.