Albireo

[ntc 2]

Is it an optical double or are the two main stars bound by gravity? I've read both theories so I wonder if someone has a more definite answer and can quote scientific references...

[Gutross 133]

the answer was touched on in this thread

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/250441-polaris-and-albireo/

it is a visual double rather then bound

[Stu 31,435]

It seems like it is not necessarily clear, and if they are they have a very long orbital period.

I found this link referenced on SkySafari which seems science based.

http://stars.astro.illinois.edu/sow/albireo.html

[Owmuchonomy 2,504]

Unsure as discussed above but Component A is a true double in itself.

[Perseus_m45 87]

there are a goodly amount of stars in this system . And Beta 2 Cyg is listed as the B star .

mike h

[Perseus_m45 87]

there are a goodly amount of stars in this system . And Beta 2 Cyg is listed as the B star .

mike h

As for myself I will consider it a true double until proven wrong . 

mike h

[lunator 263]

The is continuing debate on this.

I hope it is a gravitationally bound system but i doubt we will know for certain in my lifetime.

Cheers

Ian

[ntc 2]

Given what we know about the positions and masses of the three components (Albireo A, B and C), isn't it just a matter of calculation?

Or would the result be dependent on the data's interval of uncertainty (like Albireo A's distance, which is 430 ± 20 ly according to wikipedia)?

[ntc 2]

I'm rooting for physical double too btw.

[jabeoo1 1,272]

Will the ESA's Gaia have some decent data on this in the near future ?