pulsating variable star
Quick Summary
Pulsating variable stars are intrinsically variable stars whose total energy output fluctuates over time. This variability is caused by the stars cyclically expanding and contracting, leading to rhythmic changes in their brightness and size.12
Prominent examples of pulsating variables include Cepheids and RR Lyrae stars. Cepheids are particularly important in astronomy as their period-luminosity relationship allows astronomers to determine distances to remote stellar systems. While Type I Cepheids in the Milky Way's spiral arms exhibit regular pulsations, Type II Cepheids found in globular clusters have different properties and light curves. RR Lyrae stars, often found in clusters, have periods of less than a day and are useful for measuring distances to nearby galaxies.12
Other types of pulsating stars include long-period variables, which are cool red giants and supergiants, and Beta Canis Majoris stars, which are high-temperature stars. The study of these stars provides valuable insights into stellar evolution and the life histories of different star classes.1
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