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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

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

Waking Up A black hole wakes up hungry September 14, 2015

More Polaris A “hiccup” for the North Star October 23, 2014

John Goodricke Solving the mystery of a demon star September 16, 2014

Enif The leading lights of Pegasus September 9, 2014

Fast Radio Bursts Mysterious outbursts of radio waves February 11, 2014

Outbursts Flickering lights in the night sky February 10, 2014

Orion’s Footstool A resting spot for the hunter January 31, 2014

Moon and Antares A bubbly stellar supergiant September 10, 2013

Side Jobs A space telescope gets some extra jobs March 4, 2013

Polaris II The un-steady beat of the North Star February 19, 2013

First Steps Angling in on the stars December 4, 2012

RR Lyrae The rhythmic beat of a star December 3, 2012

R Trianguli Turmoil at the end of a star’s life November 3, 2012

Halloween Star A two-headed stellar demon October 29, 2012

Moon and Spica Two bright stars for the price of one July 24, 2012

Featured Images

Hubble Space Telescope view of V838 Monocerotis in 2006

Brilliant Echo February 11, 2015