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Concept information

Preferred term

W Ursae Majoris star  

Definition

  • A W Ursae Majoris variable, also known as a low mass contact binary, is a type of eclipsing binary variable star. These stars are close binaries of spectral types F, G, or K that share a common envelope of material and are thus in contact with one another. They are termed contact binaries because the two stars touch and transfer mass and energy through the connecting neck, although astronomer Robert E. Wilson argues that the term "overcontact" is more appropriate. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W_Ursae_Majoris_variable)

Broader concept

Entry terms

  • W UMa binary
  • W Uma system
  • W Ursae Majoris binary
  • W Ursae Majoris binary star
  • W Ursae Majoris system

In other languages

URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-R23ZVSVB-X

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