Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
Long–baseline optical interferometry has revolutionised binary star astronomy. This paper reviews some recent binary star work done using the Mark III Stellar Interferometer. For the first time, many spectroscopic binaries, eclipsing binaries, triple systems, and binaries with X-ray sources have had their visual orbit, diameter of the primary component, and color index determined. Also, accurate stellar masses, distances, radii, and effective temperatures have been derived. A preliminary distance to the Hyades cluster has also been determined. In addition, preliminary observations provide evidence of a third body in the binary star system ζ Her, which may resolve an 85-year old discrepancy in astronomy.
This contributed paper was judged outstanding by the Colloquium participants and is therefore included in the proceedings with the invited papers – eds