The Double Star Calculator processes two Gaia data records of a pair of close stars, calculates various results based on the input data, and indicates the likelihood of the pair being a co-moving pair, a physical or an optical double star. An apparent orbit will be calculated if an orbital solution is available. Additionally, if historical measurements provided by the USNO are entered, a residual trend analysis will be performed.
To perform the calculations, the Gaia source IDs of the star pair are required, as shown in the input fields below. The default source IDs correspond to the double star 14410+5757 / STF 1872 AB / HD 129580.
Simply press the [SUBMIT DATA] button to see how the tool works. Use [CLEAR ALL] to empty the input fields and prepare for new Gaia data records, or click [RESTORE DEFAULT] to reload the default records for the double star STF 1872 AB. The Gaia IDs are mandatory parameters. The WDS Discoverer & Number, the Observation Date, the Start/End Epoch, and the Historical Measurement Data are optional and, if provided, will be used in the generated report.
A detailed description of the Double Star Calculator is available in the Double Star Calculations Help. An archive of previously calculated double stars is available in the Double Star Archive. Further double-star-related tools and information are accessible via the three-line menu icon in the upper-left corner of this page.