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Variable Stars

A star whose brightness changes periodically. There are many types of variable stars and their brightnesses vary for many different reasons. For example, the brightness of a Cepheid variable star changes because its luminosity changes; the luminosity change is related to the internal structure of the star and the processes that occur there. Variable stars can also be caused by eclipsing dark or bright companions.

Radio Programs

Astonishing Mira A “wonderful” star at its best August 3, 2021

Farthest Stars A star at the edge of the galaxy May 15, 2021

Mile Markers Mile markers in the distant universe April 21, 2021

Variable Stars Some un-constant stars February 20, 2020

Delta Cephei Measuring a stellar mile-marker December 18, 2019

More Tabbies Ways to make a star “flicker” December 9, 2019

Chi Cygni An aging, unstable star November 9, 2019

Messy Newborn An infant star that’s messy October 21, 2019

Deneb Getting to know a bright giant August 6, 2019

Delta Scuti A star that really jiggles July 28, 2019

Moon and Antares An unsteady stellar giant June 15, 2019

Lepus Hopping after the celestial rabbit February 3, 2019

Collision Zones A big impact around a young star October 15, 2018

Moon and Antares A “heart murmur” for the scorpion June 25, 2018

Cor Caroli Dark blemishes on a big star April 22, 2018

‘Loopy’ Names Some “loopy” star names April 14, 2018

Pherkad Deciphering a changing star October 22, 2017

Double Bright The leading lights of Pegasus July 29, 2017

Moon and Spica Two stars play a cosmic duet June 14, 2016

Featured Images

Hubble Space Telescope view of V838 Monocerotis in 2006

Brilliant Echo February 11, 2015