A binary star system where the orbital plane is aligned with Earth such that one star periodically passes in front of the other, causing regular dimming events. These systems allow precise measurement of stellar masses, radii, and orbital parameters through analysis of their light curves.
From Latin 'eclipsis' (abandonment, eclipse) and 'binarius' (consisting of two), the term emerged in the 19th century as photometry revealed the periodic nature of certain variable stars. The first eclipsing binary, Algol, was known to ancient Arabs as 'Ra's al-ghul' (demon's head) due to its mysterious dimming.
Eclipsing binaries are like cosmic laboratories where we can weigh stars! By timing the eclipses and measuring the dimming, astronomers can determine stellar masses more precisely than any other method - some measurements are accurate to within 1%.
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