In a binary star system , each star of the pair follows an elliptical orbital path. Mutual gravity causes the stellar companions to glide around their orbits as if tied to the ends of an elastic string passing through a balance point between them . Also known as zeta Ursae Majoris , Mizar is the middle star in the handle of the Big Dipper and at a distance of 88 light years, was the first binary star system to be imaged telescopically . But, the companions are too close to be directly observed as separate stars, even by the largest telescopes . This composite image of their observations shows the daily and monthly relative orbital motion in the binary system.
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