This presentation discusses the science of Double Stars. In short: The value of Double Stars is that through determination of two stars in gravitational/mutual orbit, you can derive the stellar mass. From the stellar mass, current astrophysical theories can be refined to greater detail with greater assurance. Where Variable Stars rely on Photometry, Double Stars rely on the process of Astrometry.
Using AIJ for Double Stars
AstroImageJ (AIJ) has become the industry standard for measuring the Flux variations for Exoplanet transits. Additionally, there is a component of this program that permits accurate measurements of Double Stars. The software will also provide a differential magnitude...