Star system

The Algol three-star system imaged in the near-infrared by the CHARA interferometer with 0.5 mas resolution in 2009. The shape of Algol C is an artifact.

Algol A is being regularly eclipsed by the dimmer Algol B every 2.87 days. (Imaged in the H-band by the CHARA interferometer. Sudden jumps in the animation are artifacts.)

Artist's impression of the orbits of HD 188753, a triple star system.

A star system or stellar system is a small number of stars that orbit each other,^[1] bound by gravitational attraction. A large group of stars bound by gravitation is generally called a star cluster or galaxy, although, broadly speaking, they are also star systems. Star systems are not to be confused with planetary systems, which include planets and similar bodies (such as comets).

^ A.S. Bhatia, ed. (2005). Modern Dictionary of Astronomy and Space Technology. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications. ISBN 81-7629-741-0.

[1] A.S. Bhatia, ed. (2005). Modern Dictionary of Astronomy and Space Technology. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publications. ISBN 81-7629-741-0.

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