The Variable Stars
The Variable Stars
The Variable Stars
SUBMITTED BY:
Morales, Jerome R.
Nadua, Peter James
Lagunzad, Andrei
Torres, Eric
Morillo, Gerald
Hilario, Kyle Ryneth
Ilagan, Lance
Omar, Diangca
GS-21
A. Variable Stars & Classifications
A variable star is, quite simply, a star that changes brightness. A star is considered
variable if its apparent magnitude (brightness) is altered in any way from our
perspective on Earth.
These changes can occur over years or just fractions of a second, and can range
from one-thousandth of a magnitude to 20 magnitudes. More than 100,000
variable stars are known and have been catalogued, and thousands more are
suspected variables.
Our own sun is a variable star; its energy output varies by approximately 0.1
percent, or one-thousandth of its magnitude, over an 11-year solar cycle.
The first modern identified variable star was Omicron Ceti, later renamed Mira. It
had been described as a nova in 1596 by David Fabricius.
The discovery of variable stars, along with reports of supernovae, paved the way
for development of the science of astronomy.
The third variable star, Chi Cygni, was observed in 1686 and in 1704. Over the
next 80 years seven more variable stars were identified.
Characteristics and Compositions of Variable Stars
Intrinsic Variables
These are stars which vary their light output, hence their
brightness, by some change within the star itself. They are an
extremely important and useful group of stars to astronomers as
they provide a wealth of information about the internal structure of
stars and models of stellar evolution. Perhaps their greatest value is
the role of some types such as Cepheids and supernovae in
distance determination. Intrinsic variables are further classified as
to whether they exhibit periodic pulsations are more explosive or
eruptive events as in cataclysmic variables.
o Dwarf Novae - are double white stars that transfer mass and
cause outbursts of regular variations. Another form of
explosive variable are Symbiotic stars, close binary systems
with a red giant and a hot blue star enmeshed in a cloud of
dust or gas.
o Eruptic
Variables -
this are
stars with
eruptions
or flaring on the surface or interaction with other
interstellar matter. There are quite a few sub-types in this
category, including luminous blue variables, flare stars,
supergiants, protostars, and Orion variables. Some eruptic
variables are close
binary systems.
Extrinsic variables
Extrinsic variables are those in which the light output varies either
due to processes external to the star itself or due to the rotation of
the star. The two main classes of extrinsic stars are the eclipsing
binaries and rotating variables.
B. Compact Stars
Compact Stars are a class of stellar objects known for their high densities and
strong gravitational fields. It primarily includes the white dwarfs, neutron stars,
and black holes.
They are stellar remnants that have undergone gravitational collapse. It plays a
crucial role in our understanding of stellar evolution, extreme physics, and the
structure of the universe, giving each variety of compact stars that exhibits unique
characteristics and properties.
White Dwarfs:
White dwarfs are formed from low to medium mass stars, typically
those with initial masses less than about 8 times that of the Sun.
In fact, White Dwarfs cool down over time as they radiate away
their stored thermal energy. Initially, they are very hot and emit a
significant amount of light, but over billions of years, they
gradually cool and become dimmer.
Neutron Stars:
Neutron stars are formed from the remnants of massive stars,
usually those with initial masses between about 8 and 25 times that
of the Sun. When such a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it
undergoes a supernova explosion. The intense gravitational
collapse that occurs during the explosion compresses the core of
the star to extremely high densities. The core collapses until it is
supported by neutron degeneracy pressure, resulting in the
formation of a neutron star (NASA).
Neutron stars are known for their incredible density and small size,
typically measuring around 20 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter
(Britannica). Neutron stars are incredibly dense, with densities
ranging from about 10^14 to 10^15 grams per cubic centimeter.
Neutron stars are known for their incredibly strong magnetic fields,
which can be a trillion times stronger than the Earth's magnetic
field. These magnetic fields play a crucial role in various
astrophysical phenomena associated with neutron stars, such as
pulsars (Britannica).
Black Hole
Black holes are formed from the remnants of massive stars with
initial masses greater than about 25 times that of the Sun. When
such a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it undergoes a
supernova explosion similar to the process for neutron star
formation.
However, in the case of a black hole, the core of the star collapses
to such a high density that not even neutron degeneracy pressure
can halt the collapse.
The core collapses to a singularity, a point of infinite density,
surrounded by an event horizon beyond which nothing can escape
(NASA).
Black holes are among the most mysterious objects in the universe
and have been the subject of extensive study.
Black holes are real and represent some of the strangest objects in
space. They are characterized by their immense gravitational pull
and unique properties.
Summarization
In summary, White dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes are fascinating
objects that have profound implications for astrophysics and our
understanding of the cosmos. These compact stars represent different
stages of stellar evolution and provide valuable insights into the
fundamental physics governing the universe.
Neutron stars, on the other hand, are incredibly dense and possess strong
magnetic fields. They provide unique environments for studying the
behavior of matter under extreme densities and pressures (Space.com).
The study of neutron stars allows us to explore the properties of
superfluidity, superconductivity, and exotic states of matter that cannot be
replicated on Earth (Britannica). Neutron stars also play a crucial role in
astrophysical phenomena such as pulsars, which emit beams of
electromagnetic radiation and help us study the properties of space-time
and the nature of gravity (NASA).
Black holes, with their immense gravitational pull and event horizons,
challenge our understanding of space, time, and the laws of physics. They
are crucial in testing Einstein's theory of general relativity and provide
insights into the nature of singularities and the behavior of matter under
extreme gravitational fields (NASA). The study of black holes has
revolutionized our understanding of the universe, revealing the existence
of supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies and their role in
galaxy formation and evolution (Space.com).
While the direct impact of white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes on
our daily lives may not be apparent, their study has far-reaching
implications. The knowledge gained from studying these compact stars
contributes to advancements in astrophysics, cosmology, and our
understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. It broadens our
perspective on the universe and our place within it.
References:
Variable Stars
Space.com Staff. (2015, January 29). Types of variable stars: cepheid, pulsating and
cataclysmic. Space.com. https://www.space.com/15396-variable-stars.html#:~:text=There
%20are%20two%20different%20categories,by%20another%20star%20or%20planet
scheme=AGLSTERMS.AglsAgent; corporateName=CSIRO Australia Telescope National
Facility; address=PO Box 76 Epping NSW 1710 Australia; contact=+61 2 9372 4100 (phone),
+61 2 9372 4310 (fax); jurisdiction=Commonwealth. (n.d.). Types of variable stars.
https://www.atnf.csiro.au/outreach/education/senior/astrophysics/variable_types.html#:~:text=A
%20variable%20star%20is%20simply,the%20Sun%27s%20case%20for%20example).
White Dwarfs
Crockett, C., & Crockett, C. (2023, April 25). What are white dwarf stars? How do they form?
EarthSky | Updates on Your Cosmos and World. https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/white-
dwarfs-are-the-cores-of-dead-stars/?
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3MCfo#:~:text=White%20dwarfs%20are%20the%20hot,most%20stars%2C%20including
%20our%20sun
Thakur, V. (2023, October 19). What is a white dwarf? Science ABC.
https://www.scienceabc.com/nature/universe/what-is-a-white-dwarf.html?
fbclid=IwAR381yV3rI97K5vDMFuFEP8e7AZAq1uamyKYf6yl_xNfBmX7dc-nyEDm0m8
Neutron Star
Briggs, A., & Briggs, A. (2023, March 28). What is a neutron star? How do they form? EarthSky
| Updates on Your Cosmos and World. https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/definition-what-
is-a-neutron-star/?fbclid=IwAR0rBU6sa_yiG0o45W-qpXhNpIIUd-Yyx_3-
Xwo5YMRZ7gYi6DQBuzZ5hag#:~:text=When%20a%20massive%20star
%20explodes,exploded%20stars%20are%20neutron%20stars
Black Holes
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2024, January 15). Black hole | Definition, Formation,
Types, Pictures, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/black-
hole
Imagine the universe! (n.d.). https://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/science/objects/dwarfs2.html?
fbclid=IwAR3-SopohQ59EJ_r_ghKao2kGaWHCwHalTs_f7e_gwQRIgsXl8w9NMRnkMM