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Binary Star System
A system of two stars orbiting a common center of mass, bound together by gravitational forces.
Source: apod.nasa.gov
APODs including "Binary Star System"
BZ Cam Bow Shock
28/11/2000
Image Credit: NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
BZ Cam is a binary star system that is not well understood. In most cataclysmic variables, matter from a normal star accumulates on the surface of the companion white dwarf star, eventually causing a nova-like flare as the material becomes hot enough to ignite nuclear fusion. In BZ Cam, however, light appears to flicker unpredictably, and an unusually large wind of particles is being expelled. Pictured above, BZ Cam's wind creates a large bow-shock as the system moves through surrounding interstellar gas. BZ Cam lies about 2500 light-years away toward the constellation of Camelopardalis.